SENATE. 


I Document 
i No.  209. 


56th  Congress,  I 
1st  Session.  ' 


cNational  Galleries 

OF  ...  . 

History  and  Art. 


The  Aggrandizement 


of  ...  . 

Washington. 


PART  I. 

Petition  for  a Site 
for 

National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art. 

Descriptive  Handbook  of  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients 
Constructed  for  promotion  of  said  Galleries, 
according  to  the  Design  annexed. 

PART  II. 

A Design  and  Prospectus  for 
National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art 
at  Washington. 

PART  III 

Designs,  Plans,  and  Suggestions 
for  the 

Aggrandizement  of  Washington. 


WITH  342  JLiLiUSTRATIONS. 


By  Franklin  Webster  Smith. 


WASHINGTON : 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE. 
J900. 


Houmania  Cauada  Belgium  Spain  Austria  Germany  U.  Kingdom  U.  States  France  Russia  Italy  Australia  Holland  Sweden  Argentina 


WEALTH  OF  NATIONS. 


SENATE. 


56th  Congress,  i 

1st  Session.  f 


j Document 
I No.  209. 


\ 


F»  A R T I . 


PETITION 


OF 


FRANKLIN  WEBSTER  SMITH 


FOR 


THE  SITE  OF  THE  OLD  NAVAL  OBSERVATORY 


ERRATA. 

For  hurried  printing  the  last  revise  was  not  read  in  proof. 

Part  II. 

p.  1 2 1 , Plate  97,  read  Kaitbey,  for  Eailbey. 

p.  128,  Plate  ioi,  read  Aldobrandini,  for  Aldsbrandiui. 

Part  III. 

p.  16,  from  Lincoln’s  Inaugural,  read  firmness,  for  fairness, 
p.  32,  footnote,  read  A.  D.,  for  B.  C. 


February  12,  1900. — Presented  by  Mr.  Hoar,  referred  to  the  Committee 
on  District  of  Columbia,  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 


WASHINGTON  : 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE. 
I 900. 


56th  Congress, 

1st  Sessioti. 


SENATE. 


\ Document 

I No.  209. 


F>  Ds.  1*  T I . 

\ 


PETITION 

OF 

FRANKLIN  WEBSTER  SMITH 

FOR 

THE  SITE  OF  THE  OLD  NAVAL  OBSERVATORY 
FOR  THE 

National  Galleries  of  History  and 


DESCRIPTIVE  HAND-BOOK 

OF  THE 

HALLS  OF  THE  ANCIENTS 

CONSTRUCTED  FOR 

PROMOTION  OF  SAID  GALLERIES  ACCORDING 
TO  DESIGN  ANNEXED. 


February  12,  1900. — Presented  by  Mr.  IIoar,  referred  to  the  Committee 
on  District  of  Columbia,  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 


WASHINGTON  : 


GOVERN  M E N T PRINTING  OFFICE. 

I qoo. 


PART  II. 


Design  and  Prospectus  for  National  Galleries 
of  History  and  Art  in  Washington 
by  Franklin  Webster  Smith, 

TOGETHER  WITH  12 1 ILLUSTRATIONS, 

108  OF  WHICH  WERE  SUPPLIED 

in  Electrotype 
by  the  Author. 


PART  III. 


Designs,  Plans,  and  Suggestions  for 
the  Aggrandizement  of  Washington, 
with  9S  Illustrations. 

11 


THE  GETTY  CENTER 

LIBRARY 


THE  HALLS  OF 

THE  ANCIENTS 

Nos.  I3I2-I4-16-J8  New  York  Avenue,  Washington. 


Franklin  W.  Smith,  Architect. 

Albany  Engraving  Co..  N.  Y. 


W.  F.  Wagner  Pinxit. 


DESIGN  OF  THE  PORTAL. 

It  is  a reconstruction,  full  size,  of  a section  of  the  Hypost^le  Hall  of  Karnak, 
with  columns  70  feet  high,  12  feet  diameter. 


AN  AMERICAN  ACROPOLIS. 


Proposed  National  Galleries  in  Washington. 


In  Their  Promotion  the  Press  has  a Cause  Worthy  Its  floral  Power , 
and  in  Their  Aid  Wealth  for  Its  Noblest  Use. 

“ If  we  are  a great  country,  as  justly  we  claim  to  be,  is  it  creditable  for  us,  with 
all  our  wealth  and  prosperity,  to  be  without  a great  national  museum,  such  as  is  to 
be  found  in  every  great  capital  of  Europe?” — Report  of  \V.  W.  Story,  sculptor,  resi- 
dent in  Rome,  U.  S.  Commissioner  to  the  Paris  Exposition  of  1878. 


The  United  States  is  the  only  civilized  nation  that  has  not  National 
Galleries  for  illustration  of  history,  architecture,  and  art. 

In  oceanic  separation  from  the  remains  of  historic  nationalities,  the 
American  people  are  deprived  of  the  objective  illustration  available  to 
European  nations. 

The  wealth  of  the  United  States,  greater  than  of  any  other  nation,  should 
create  an  institution,  surpassing  all  others,  for  illustration  of  human  progress 
and  civilization. 

It  is  earnestly  desired  to  promote  immediately  National  Galleriesof  History 
and  Art,  in  accordance  with  the  Design  herewith  ; which,  while  it  equals  in 
grandeur  the  National  Capitol,  is  composed  of  the  most  simple  and  durable 
constructions,  viz.,  galleries  of  one  story,  terraced  upon  a hillside. 

Its  eight  Courts  are  ranged  below  American  Galleries,  for  the  history  of 
the  United  States,  surmounted  by  a Parthenonic  temple  to  contain  a Ilall  of 
the  Presidents  of  the  United  States;  an  American  Walhalla,  like  that  upon 
a hill-top  of  the  Danube,  a proud  monument  of  the  Bavarian  people. 

Its  colonnade  should  range  the  horizon  in  counterpart  of  the  dome  of  the 
Capitol — the  one  an  expression  of  the  highest  Constitutional  wisdom,  the 
other  of  its  resultant  intellectual  development  of  a nation.  (See  p.  6S.) 

In  recognition  of  the  demands  of  modern  education  for  object  teaching , 
the  Galleries  enclose  courts  for  types  of  ancient  dwellings,  as  of  late  have 
been  shown  the  modern  homes  of  mankind  ; and  other  structures,  civil  and 
religious,  in  whole,  in  part, or  by  model,  as  now  illustrated  by  the  Pompeian 
House  at  Saratoga. 

The  Galleries  are  to  be  filled  with  mural  paintings,  panoramic  and  inex- 
pensive, in  chronological  history  of  the  ancient  nations  like  that  of  Bavaria 
in  the  National  Museum  in  Munich  ; corridors  being  filled  with  casts  for 
study,  and  for  sale  at  cost;  as  now  supplied  by  the  British  Museum  and 
the  Louvre  to  the  world. 

The  Galleries  to  be  of  sand-concrete,  tested  in  the  great  hotels  at  St. 
Augustine,  the  Stanford  Museum,  and  the  House  of  Pansa  at  Saratoga,  in 
which  concrete  has  cost  less  than  ordinary  brickwork.  Roman  columns, 
imperishable,  are  cast  for  $20.00  each,  which  in  stone  would  have  cost 
$300.00.  Concrete  was  the  principal  material  of  ancient  Rome  (Ency.  Britta.). 

v 


Dii  ||  I Pfi  7 J 

l,  i A Advisory  Architects.  Franklin  Webster* 

Henry  Ives  Cobb,  ) 

The  area  proposed  for  the  Galleries,  Courts  and  Avenues  is  62.17  acres — about  6 acres  to 
each,  500  ft.  square.  The  Old  Observatory  site,  national  property,  covers  22.78  acres.  To 
obtain  the  required  62.17  :icres  only  17  acres,  or  less  than  5-  the  area,  must  be  purchased;  the 
intermediate  streets  which  will  fall  within  the  lines  without  cost  measuring  22  acres. 

The  17  a res  (740.520  square  feet)  are  now  valued  at  50  cents  per  foot;  all  $370,260.  At 
500,000  dollars  they  would  be  an  opportunity  for  the  Government  that  will  soon  be  lost. 

Doubtless  a commission  would  advise  the  Government  to  secure  now  the  entire  dump 
along  the  north  side  of  Potomac  Park,  to  the  President’s  grounds.  Betterments  upon  E st. 
for  2.227  ft-  would  repay  the  outlay. 

The  late  Mr.  James  Renwick,  architect,  estimated  the  cost  of  the  Galleries  per  100  ft. 
length,  32  ft.  wide,  and  35  ft.  high,  with  side  corridors  for  casts  25  ft.  high,  13  feet  wide,  and 
corner  towers,  with  steam  heat,  at  $31,363  00.  “ This  is  probably  a safe  estimate  within  7 per 

cent.”  (Signed,  James  Renwick.)  The  square  of  500  ft.  would  make  1.700ft.  range  of  gallery 


OF  HISTORY 


AND  ART 


th,  Architect.  Harry  Dodge  Jenkins  pinxit. 


for  construction  with  exterior  length  of  2,000  ft.— at  the  above  estimate  to  cost  $533,171.00; 
adding  $466,829  for  constructions  at  greater  elevation,  would  make  $1,000,000  for  each  Gal- 
lery and  Court— $S. 000,000  for  eight,  leaving  $2,000,000  for  structures  reproduced,  illus- 
trative paintings,  etc.  $10,000,000  would  cover  the  cost.  This  could  be  extended  through 
several  years,  a section  of  each  style  being  commenced. 

“ I believe  that  if  a section  of  the  Egyptian  and  Roman  Courts  and  Galleries  can  be 
built  with  the  illustrations  proposed,  the  rich  men  of  the  country  will  rapidly  complete  the 
series.  They  will  welcome  a scheme  of  such  national  and  permanent  usefulness.  The 
people  generally  will  freely  contribute  buildings  or  objects  required.  They  would  be  the 
most  lasting  and  creditable  monuments  to  their  memory.” — Hon.  Jos.  R.  Hawley,  U.  S. 
Senator  from  Connecticut;  President  of  Centennial  Exposition,  1876. 


National  Galleries  a Necessity  as  an  Educational  Institution. 


The  Halls  of  the  Ancients  are  constructed  to  illustrate  Mr.  Franklin 
Webster  Smith’s  design  for  National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art 
at  Washington,  D.  C.  They  are  not  intended  for  high  technical  art,  but 
to  create  a National  Educational  Institution  ; in  illustration  of  the  history, 
architecture,  arts  and  manners  of  past  nationalities  ; to  stimulate  inquiry 
from  the  unlearned  ; and  provide  vast  material  for  scholarship. 

Modern  research  can  reconstruct  ancient  monuments  and  buildings,  exact 
in  architectural  details,  far  more  impressive  and  instructive  than  European 
Museums  filled  with  articles  and  fragments  in  show-cases. 

“ It  is  inevitable  that  you  are  indebted  to  the  past.  The  old  forest  is  de- 
composed for  the  composition  of  the  new  forest.  So  it  is  in  thought.  If  we 
learn  how  old  are  the  pattern  of  our  shawls,  the  capitals  of  our  columns,  the 
fret,  the  beads  and  other  ornaments  on  our  walls,  the  alternate  lotus-bud  and 
leaf  stem  of  our  iron  fences — we  shall  think  very  well  of  our  first  men  or  ill  of 
the  lastest.” — Emerson . 

“ The  19th  century  is  insatiable  in  the  matter  of  knowledge,  comparison, 
and  generalization  in  all  things.” — Monsieur  Gili'c  upon  the  Exposition  of 
1879. 

“ There  is  an  Oriental  saying  that  the  distance  between  ear  and  eye  is 
small,  but  the  difference  between  hearing  and  seeing  very  great.  More  terse 
and  not  less  forcible  is  our  proverb,  ‘ To  see  is  to  know,’  which  expresses  a 
•growing  tendency  in  the  human  mind.  In  this  busy,  critical,  and  skeptical  age 
the  eye  is  used  more  and  more,  and  the  ear  less  and  less,  and  in  the  use  of  the 
eye  descriptive  writing  is  set  aside  for  actual  objects. 

“The  museums  of  the  future,  in  this  democratic  land,  should  be  adapted 
to  the  mechanic,  the  laborer,  and  the  clerk,  as  much  as  to  the  professional 
man.  The  peoples’  museum  should  be  much  more  than  a house  full  of  speci- 
mens in  glass  cases.  It  should  be  a house  full  of  ideas 

“Museums  are  commonly  classed  in  two  groups — those  of  science  and 
those  of  art.  Between  is  a territory  which  no  English  word  can  adequately 
describe — which  the  Germans  call  Culturgeschite — the  natural  history  of  cult, 
or  civilization,  of  man  and  his  ideas  and  achievements.  The  museums  of 
science  and  art  have  not  yet  learned  how  to  partition  this  territory.” — The 
late  1'rof.  G.  Brown  Goode  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution — Lecture  on 
the  Museums  of  the  Euture. 


This  vacant  territory,  discerned  by  the  learned  and  lamented  Professor, 
awaits  possession  by  National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art.  in 
Washington.  They  will  fulfil  his  admirable  definition,  viz  : “ The  National 
History  of  Civilization,  of  Man  and  His  Ideas  and  Achievements.” 
Then  Europe  will  come  to  America  for  study  of  the  progress  of  civilization, 
because  in  America  only  will  it  be  realistically  and  clearly  revealed. 

In  100  days  the  country  expended  200,000.000  dollars  in  War.  In  con- 
trast, what  beneficence  of  intellectual  profit  and  pleasure  for  the  nation,  an 
outlay  of  10.000.000  dollars  for  National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art,  one 
month’s  outlay  for  warlike  operations  ! 

VIII 


Petition  of  Franklin  Webster  Smith 

FOR  A SITE  FOR 

NATIONAL  GALLERIES  OF  HISTORY  AND  ART. 


To  the  Senators  and  Representatives  of  the  United  States  in  Congress 

assembled: 

The  undersigned,  Franklin  Webster  Smith,  formerly  of  Boston,  Mass., 
respectfully  represents  that  he  has  conceived  a design  for  National  Gal- 
leries of  History  and  Art  in  Washington,  as  a grand  systematic  educa- 
tional institution  exhibiting  in  reconstructions  the  art,  architecture, 
religion,  manners,  and  customs  of  the  ancient  nationalities. 

That  said  design  has  been  matured  during  fifty  years  of  study  and 
observation  in  the  United  States  and  during  nineteen  extensive  journeys 
abroad. 

That  said  design  has  been  very  widely  set  forth  in  an  elaborate  pros- 
pectus, receiving  unanimous  commendation  thereof  by  the  press  through- 
out the  United  States  and  by  audiences  at  public  lectures  for  its  exposi- 
tion in  the  principal  cities.  That  it  has  received,  also,  very  earnest  appro- 
bation of  Senators  and  Representatives  in  Congress,  educators,  and  others. 

That  these  proposed  National  Galleries  fill  an  absolute  void  in  the  edu- 
cational resources  of  the  citizens  of  the  United  States. 

That  they  utilize  the  revelations  of  archaeology  and  transfer  to  the 
Western  World,  in  simulation,  all  desirable  relics  of  ancient  art  and  all 
remains  illustrative  of  ancient  life  that  have  filled  the  museums  of 
Europe  at  great  cost;  these  reproductions  being  in  every  way  as  valuable 
for  education  as  originals,  but  at  a very  small  fraction  of  their  cost. 

That  your  petitioner  now  seeks  legislation  of  Congress  for  commence- 
ment of  said  Galleries. 

That  the  hill  known  as  the  late  site  of  the  Naval  Observatory,  near 
the  Potomac,  which  was  designated  by  Washington  as  the  site  for  a 
university  (see  facsimile  of  the  original  plan  of  L' Enfant,  bearing  the 
signature  of  Washington,  annexed),  comprising  about  23  acres,  be  set 
apart  as  an  American  Acropolis,  to  be  devoted  exclusively  to  Galleries 
of  American  History  and  Memorial  Temples  of  Presidents  of  the  United 
States  and  other  statesmen  and  patriots. 

That  a portion  of  the  tract  lying  west  of  said  Observatory  Hill  be- 
tween B and  E streets,  comprising  an  area  of  about  40  acres,  be  con- 


ix 


X 


NATIONAL  GALLERIES  OF  HISTORY  AND  ART. 


demned  as  a site  for  the  proposed  Galleries  and  Courts  of  History  and 
Art  according  to  the  Design  and  abridged  Prospectus  hereto  appended, 
and  also  according  to  a model  on  one-eighth  scale  which  has  been  con- 
structed of  the  architectural  details  and  topographical  elevations  of  said 
galleries.  Said  model  is  now  on  exhibition  in  the  building  known  as 
the  Halls  of  the  Ancients,  on  New  York  avenue,  Washington,  said 
halls  having  been  constructed  solely  for  the  purpose  of  exploiting  the 
design  for  national  galleries  and  courts  by  the  financial  cooperation  of 
Mr.  S.  Walter  Woodward,  of  Washington. 

That  such  portion  of  said  40  acres  as  are  not  now  public  property, 
say  17  acres,  be  condemned  for  purchase  by  the  United  States  for  the 
proposed  galleries.  This  area  of  17  acres,  with  the  23  acres  in  the 
Observatory  tract  and  the  land  now  in  streets,  will  aggregate  60  acres 
for  constructions  of  said  design.  The  land  required  is  of  very  low  valu- 
ation and  almost  vacant  of  improvement. 

That  for  public  apprehension  of  galleries  proposed,  their  uses,  and  the 
public  benefits  therefrom,  this  petition  and  the  prospectus  accompanying 
the  same  may  be  printed. 

That  an  appropriation  of  $500  be  made  for  the  survey  of  the  land  and 
a plan  for  said  galleries. 

That  your  petitioner  respectfully  represents  that  such  legislation  by 
Congress  in  behalf  of  the  national  galleries  hereinabove  described 
would  be  a most  fitting  commemoration  of  the  year  1900,  as  advised  by 
the  President  of  the  United  States. 

Franklin  Webster  Smith. 

Washington,  February  10 , /poo.  , 


★ ★ ★ 


REMARKS  OF  MR.  HOAR  IX  THE  SENATE. 


[From  the  Congressional  Record.  Fifty-sixth  Congress,  first  session.  Washington,  Monday, 

February  12,  1900.] 

National  Gallery  of  history  and  Art. 

Mr.  Hoar.  I present  the  petition  of  Franklin  W.  Smith,  of  Boston, 
Mass. , praying  for  an  appropriation  of  land  for  a site  for  National  Galleries 
of  history  and  art,  and  for  aid  in  the  establishment  thereof. 

I ask  unanimous  consent  to  make  a statement  in  regard  to  this  petition. 
The  petitioner  is  a business  man  of  great  distinction  and  success,  who  for 
many  years  has  devoted  his  life  to  the  promotion  of  National  Galleries  of 
art  which  shall  represent  and  reproduce  the  architecture,  both  public  or 
ornamental  and  domestic,  of  the  ancient  nations,  especially  Greece  and 
Rome,  but  also  the  Oriental  cities.  He  has  devoted  his  whole  time  to  a 
study  of  that  subject  and  has  become  an  eminent  authority.  He  has 
made  a large  collection  of  books  and  prints,  and  has,  with  the  financial 
cooperation  of  Mr.  S.  Walter  Woodward,  of  Washington,  on  New  York 
avenue,  in  this  city,  built  and  adorned  some  halls  showing  great  beauty 
and  in  full  size  Roman,  Egyptian,  Assyrian,  and  Saracenic  architecture. 

What  the  petitioner  desires  is  to  have  the  site  of  the  old  observatory 
appropriated  by  the  United  States,  and  some  land  in  the  neigborhood, 
where  he  will  place  his  own  collection  and  devote  himself  entirely,  if  he 
may  be  permitted,  to  advancing  that  work.  It  will  become,  at  a very 
moderate  cost,  a great  ornament  to  the  capital  of  the  nation,  and  it  will 
have  an  educational  power,  he  thinks,  more  potent  than  many  lecture- 
ships or  professorships.  He  hopes  very  much  that  the  members  of  the 
two  Houses  will,  before  acting  upon  his  petition,  visit,  as  some  gentlemen 
I am  told  have  already  visited,  the  beautiful  collection  and  buildings  here. 

I ask  unanimous  consent  that  this  petition,  which  is  very  brief,  com- 
prising a page  or  two,  and  the  Design  and  Prospectus  which  accompany 
it,  may  be  printed  as  a document,  for  the  use  of  the  Senate.  I under- 
stand that  there  are  some  plates,  but  he  has  all  the  plates  prepared,  so 
that  that  will  be  no  cost  to  the  Government. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  petition  will  be  referred  to  the 
Committee  on  the  Library. 

Mr.  Hoar.  I rather  think  it  would  be  better  on  the  whole  that  the 
petition  should  go  to  the  Committee  on  the  District  of  Columbia,  as  it 
asks  for  the  occupation  of  certain  lands  within  the  District. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  It  will  be  so  referred.  The  Senator 
from  Massachusetts  asks  that  the  paper  which  he  presents  may  be  printed 
as  a document. 

Mr.  Hoar.  The  petition  and  papers. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Is  there  objection?  The  Chair  hears 
none,  and  it  is  so  ordered. 


xv 


CONTEXTS. 


I'age. 

Petition . ix 

Letters  of  Senators  and  others i 

Statement  of  the  development  of  the  Design 6 

Description  of  the  Halls 1 1 

The  Egyptian  Portal  and  Facade.  . . 13 

Hall  of  Gods  and  Kings 14 

Facsimile  of  first  announcement  of  the  Discovery  of  Herculaneum 20 

The  Roman  or  Pompeian  House 23 

The  Lecture  Hall — Painting  of  the  Grandeur  of  Rome 35 

Moorish  Hall  of  Bensaquin ...  38 

Assyrian  Throne  Room 39 

Roman  Historical  Gallery  ...  . . 50 

Egyptian  Hall  of  Arts  and  Crafts 53 

Hall  of  the  Model 62 

Press  notices  of  Design  . . 65 

Press  notices  of  Halls . 67 

illustrations  of  Concrete  Construction 69 

Biblical  illustrations 70 

Sixty-four  pages  of  text  and  all  illustrations  were  supplied  in  paged  forms  electrotvped,  as  also 
the  pages  in  color  by  the  author  printed. 

XVI 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


1. 

2. 

3- 

4- 

5- 
6. 

7- 

8. 

9- 

xo. 

11. 

12. 
13- 
14. 
15- 
16. 
17- 
18. 
19- 

20. 

21. 

22. 
25- 

26. 

27. 

28. 

29. 

30. 
3i- 
32. 

33- 

34- 

35- 
36. 
37- 
38. 
39- 
40. 
4i- 
42. 

43- 

44- 

45- 
46. 

47- 

48. 

49- 

50. 

51- 


Pa  ge. 

An  American  Acropolis Frontispiece. 

Design  for  National  Galleries VI 

Facsimile  of  Washington’s  designation  of  Observatory  Hill XI 

Section  through  Halls  of  the  Ancients XVIII 

Egyptian  Hall  of  Gods  and  Kings 9 

Site  of  Halls  in  Washington 10 

Raineses  Fighting  from  his  Chariot  and  Passing  Sentence  on  Captives.  ...  14 

The  King  upon  his  Chariot 15 

Attack  of  a Fortress ! 16 

Palanquins  and  Carriages 17 

Judgment  of  the  Soul 18 

Restoration  of  the  Temple  of  Jupiter,  Pompeii 22 

Vesuvius 23 

The  Roman  House— Atrium,  Tablinum,  and  Peristylium  of 24 

Tablinum 26 

Peristylium 27 

Exedra 28 

Hortus — Class  from  High  School  at  study 29 

Bibliotheca 31 

Atrium  and  Ala 32 

Taberna 33 

23,  24.  Painting  of  the  Grandeur  of  Rome 35,  36,  37 

Moorish  Hall  of  Bensaquin 38 

West  end  of  Assyrian  Throne  Room 39 

Gallery  of  Assyrian  Throne  Room 40 

East  end  of  Assyrian  Throne  Room 42 

Throne  of  Xerxes,  Assyrian  Throne  Room 43 

Sennacherib  on  his  Throne  before  Lachish 45 

Seal  of  Sennacherib 49 

Roman  Historical  Gallery 30 

Model  of  Temple  of  Denderah 31 

Moorish  Court  of  Galleries 32 

Egyptian  Pylon  from  Luxor ! 32 

Egyptian  Columns 32 

Egyptian  Pavilion  of  Medinet-Abou 32 

Perspective  of  Galleries 32 

Exterior  of  Egyptian  Court 53 

Egyptian  Vineyards  and  Wine-making 54 

Egyptian  Music  and  Sport 33 

Egyptian  Caricatures 56-57 

Egyptian  Feast;  copy  of  painting  by  Long 58 

Egyptian  Court ; restoration  by  Racinet 59 

Model  of  Galleries  62 

Model  of  Acropolis 63 

Model  of  Roman  Court ' 63 

A Colonnade  on  the  Potomac — Hall  of  Fame 64 

Proposed  Avenue 64 

Concrete  Constructions 69 

Egyptian  Brickmakers — Biblical  illustrations 70 

XVII 


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CORRESPONDENCE. 


Letters  in  commendation  of  the  plan  of  Franklin  IV.  Smith  for  Galleries 
and  Courts  of  History  and  Art  in  Washington. 

Washington,  D.  C July  if,  iSyy. 

To  Hon.  John  I).  Long, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

To  Hon.  Julius  C.  Burrows, 

Hon.  William  E.  Chandler, 

Hon.  Shelby  M.  Cullom, 

Hon.  Jacob  H.  Gallinger, 

Hon.  George  Gray, 

Hon.  Joseph  R.  Hawley. 

Hon.  George  F.  Hoar, 

Hon.  Justin  S.  Morrill, 

Hon.  Orville  H.  Platt, 

Hon.  Redfield  Proctor. 

Senators  in  Congress  of  the  United  States. 

Hon.  Thomas  B.  Reed, 

Speaker  United  States  House  of  Representatives. 

In  1891  I published  a Prospectus  for  National  Galleries  of  History 
and  Art  and  presented  a copy  to  each  member  of  Congress.  In  the 
interval,  at  various  times,  I have  had  the  pleasure  of  further  explanation 
of  the  plan  to  you,  either  at  the  Pompeian  House  in  Saratoga,  at  illus- 
trated lectures  in  Washington,  or  in  personal  conference.  You  cordiallv 
expressed  your  interest  in  the  enterprise  and  several  above  named 
offered  their  service  and  influence  for  its  promotion.  Meanwhile,  in  the 
dire  depression  of  financial  affairs,  both  of  the  Government  and  of  the 
nation,  I have  withheld  all  mention  of  the  subject  to  you,  avoiding 
trespass  upon  your  valuable  time  when  there  was  no  definite  scheme  for 
your  cooperation. 

But  in  this  interim  of  five  years  the  scheme  has  not  been  allowed  to 
rest  in  silence.  It  has  had  my  incessant  study  for  its  more  complete 
development.  Three  visits  to  Europe  and  Egypt  have  been  made  for 
further  intelligence  and  suggestion. 

Now  an  extraordinary  opportunity  has  occurred  for  demonstration  of 
four  ancient  styles  of  interior  architecture  and  of  the  manners  and  arts 
of  those  nations,  such  as  the  Pompeian  House  at  Saratoga  is  of  Roman 
Art  and  Life.  1 his  fortuitous  advantage  has  been  seized,  and  herewith 
is  inclosed  a description  of  the  thoroughness  with  which  it  is  to  be 
improved  in 


1 


2 


CORRESPONDENCE 


HALLS  OF  THE  ANCIENTS. 

As  mentioned  in  the  descriptive  book  herewith,  I had  determined  to 
renew  the  public  presentation  of  the  idea,  if  spared,  in  the  autumn  of 
1897;  considering  that  within  sixty  days  I shall  have  attained  71  years 
of  age,  now,  with  the  attractive  and,  as  I believe,  convincing  exhibit  of 
the  feasibility  of  the  plan  placed  in  your  hands,  I appeal  confidently  for 
your  cooperation. 

You  will  not  ask  apology  if  in  the  strong  self-apprehension  of  my  ideas 
a personality  is  made  prominent.  The  plan  I have  set  forth  is  an  evolu- 
tion through  fifty  years  of  my  life.  It  is  no  sudden,  intangible  vision. 

To  parry  an  apparent  presumption  in  the  announcement  of  an  institu- 
tion as  an  advance  upon  all  existing  on  similar  lines,  I cite  works  accom- 
plished that  demonstrate  its  theory.  Certainly  the  Pompeia  is  evidence 
of  the  possibility  of  multiplied  object-lessons  from  the  past. 

During  the  last  eight  summers  I have  spoken  daily  upon  the  advantage 
to  the  people  of  the  United  States  of  the  proposed  national  gallery.  Not 
less  than  50,000  intelligent  persons  from  all  parts  of  the  United  States 
have  listened  and  many  have  said  with  emphasis,  “ It  should  be,”  ‘‘It 
must  be,”  ” It  can  be,”  easily,  so  far  as  the  only  requisite  demanded — 
the  money — is  concerned.  I am  satisfied  that  the  money  in  volume  waits 
for  such  use,  intelligent  knowledge  of  its  expediency  being  conveyed 
to  its  possessors. 

There  can  be  no  more  authoritative  judgment  upon  the  matter  given 
to  the  country  than  from  yourselves.  Your  status  is  that  of  highest 
statesmanship,  having  a broad  and  cultured  familiarity  with  appliances 
promotive  of  public  welfare  and  happiness. 

On  a recent  visit  to  the  New  National  Library  a young  man,  typical 
of  the  thrifty  Western  farmer,  greeted  me  in  rapt  admiration  with  the 
question,  ‘ ‘ Tell  me,  sir,  can  any  country  match  this  for  a library?”  ” No,” 
I replied,  ‘‘and  has  it  not.  been  a blessed  expenditure,  employing  labor 
to  build  it,  for  us  and  all  the  people  to  enjoy  it  forever?”  He  responded 
in  eager  assent. 

Therefore,  I crave  your  examination  of  the  Prospectus  accompanying 
this  communication. 

I solicit  further  your  joint  expression  in  indorsement  of  an  appeal  to 
our  rich  countrymen  to  provide  money  toward  the  enterprise  projected. 
With  your  recommendation  I have  faith  in  their  liberal  response. 

It  will  greatly  inspire  my  confidence  in  success  if  you  will  add  the 
weight  of  your  united  recommendation  to  the  favorable  opinions  of  the 
press,  brief  extracts  from  which  are  appended  to  the  Prospectus. 

Yours,  most  respectfully  and  truly, 

Franklin  W.  Smith, 

Washington , D.  C. 


REPLIES. 

Washington,  D.  C.,  July  75,  1897. 

Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith. 

Dear  Sir:  The  undersigned  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  joint  letter 
soliciting  an  expression  of  interest  in  your  design  for  National  Galleries 
of  History  and  Art  in  Washington. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


3 


We  recognize  in  the  full  exposition  of  your  plan  set  forth  in  the 
Prospectus  and  Supplement  thereto  a conception  of  the  highest  educa- 
tional advantage  to  the  nation. 

In  the  absence  of  all  remains  of  the  earlier  civilizations  in  the  New 
World,  the  systematic  reconstructions  you  propose  would  give  to  all 
people,  learned  and  unlearned,  a more  tangible  apprehension  of  ancient 
architecture,  art,  manners,  and  customs  than  is  available  from  the  museums 
of  detached  curiosities  in  Europe. 

We  are  in  favor  of  your  petition  to  Congress  for  the  assignment  of  the 
National  Observatory  lot  to  the  use  you  designate  and  with  special  com- 
mendation as  in  fulfillment  of  its  appropriation  by  Washington. 

We  heartily  second  your  appeal  to  the  wealthy  citizens  of  the  United 
States  to  provide  means  for  the  purchase  of  the  land  adjacent,  bounded 
by  Seventeenth  and  E streets,  for  construction  of  the  galleries  and  the 
illustrative  material  proposed. 

The  amount  required  for  the  completion  of  the  plan  is  insignificant 
comparatively  with  the  volume  of  national  wealth.  The  investment 
would  yield  great  dividends  of  learning  and  of  high  entertainment  in  the 
National  Capital. 

(Signed)  J.  C.  Burrows, 

United  States  Senator  from  Michigan. 
W.  E.  Chandler, 

United  States  Senator  from  New  Hampshire. 

S.  M.  CULLOM, 

United  Stales  Senator  from  Illinois. 

Henry  C.  Hansbrough, 

United  States  Senator  from  North  Dakota. 

J.  H.  Gallinger, 

United  States  Senator  from  New  Hampshire. 

Geo.  Gray, 

United  States  Senator  from  Delaware. 

O.  H.  Platt, 

United  States  Senator  from  Connecticut. 

Senator  Hawley,  one  of  the  ten  Senators  above  jointly  addressed,  was 
in  Europe.  As  president  of  the  United  States  Centennial  Exposition  in 
Philadelphia,  his  experience  gives  great  weight  to  his  judgment.  After 
listening  to  a full  exposition  of  the  plan  for  National  Galleries,  in  1891, 
he  said: 

“I  believe  that  if  a section  of  the  Egyptian  and  Roman  Courts  and 
Galleries  can  be  built,  with  the  illustrations  proposed,  the  rich  men  of  the 
country  will  rapidly  complete  the  series. 

“They  will  welcome  a scheme  of  such  national  and  permanent  useful- 
ness. 

“The  people  generally  will  freely  contribute  buildings  or  objects 
required.  They  would  be  the  most  lasting  and  creditable  monuments  to 
their  memory.” 

It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  concur  with  the  gentlemen  who,  as  I am 
told,  have  signed  the  letter  of  which  the  within  is  a copy.  The  plan  is 
in  every  respect  admirable. 

(Signed)  Geo.  F.  Hoar. 

I heartily  concur  in  the  above  endorsement  by  .Senator  Hoar. 

(Signed)  Redfield  Proctor. 


4 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


Senator  Morrill  wrote:  “I  appreciate  the  magnificence  of  your  pro- 
posal and  really  hope  no  obstacle  will  prove  a hindrance  to  your  success.  ” 

The  Hon.  John  D.  Long,  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  wrote  in  “cordial 
concurrence’’  with  the  letter  of  Ur.  Harris,  Commissioner  of  Education, 
in  earnest  commendation. 


Bureau  of  Education, 
Washington , D.  C. , July  ly,  r8gy. 

Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith. 

My  Dear  Sir:  Your  plan  differs  from  others  having  the  same  gen- 
eral object  in  the  fact  that  you  give  both  the  archaeological  data  and  the 
restorations  based  on  those  data,  whereas  some  schemes  give  only  the 
data,  the  fragments  recovered  from  the  past,  very  useful  to  the  specialist 
but  not  educative  to  the  great  public,  while  other  schemes  give  only  res- 
torations without  the  data  and  not  properly  derived  from  the  data. 

We  in  America,  a new  world,  have  yet  all  the  foundations  of  our  civil- 
ization in  the  Old  World,  and  it  is  the  chief  object  of  education  to  make 
us  acquainted  with  these  essential  things.  Your  plans  well  carried  out 
will  render  the  city  of  Washington,  already  so  instructive  to  the  visitor, 
doubly  valuable  for  the  youth  of  the  land  who  come  here  to  see  the  most 
noble  of  object  lessons. 

(Signed)  W.  T.  Harris,  Commissioner. 


Pine  Point,  Me..  September  2,  iSgy. 

Franklin  W.  Smith,  Esq., 

Saratoga  Springs , N.  Y. 

Dear  Sir:  I have  your  letter  of  August  28.  As  you  very  well  know, 
I think  very  highly  of  your  design  for  National  Galleries  of  History  and 
Art  at  Washington,  and  I am  quite  sure  that  as  soon  as  you  place  a 
specimen  of  your  work  in  Washington  according  to  your  plan  it  will  be 
found  to  be  very  satisfactory  by  people  who  examine  it. 

You  are  at  liberty  to  use  this  letter. 

Sincerely  yours, 

(Signed)  T.  B.  Reed. 

Subsequently  Senators  T.  C.  Platt  and  H.  C.  Lodge  wrote  in  concur- 
rence with  the  signers  of  the  above  joint  letter;  Senators  S.  B.  Elkins, 
William  P.  P'rye,  and  B.  Penrose,  with  the  letter  of  Senator  Hoar. 

Senator  Mallory  wrote:  “I  think  well  of  the  enterprise  as  the  inau- 
guration of  a new  (to  us)  and  desirable  educational  instrumentality  and 
I trust  that  you  will  be  able  to  make  it  a practical  success.’’ 

Ex-Senator  Henderson  wrote: 

My  Dear  Mr.  Smith:  Consider  me  at  all  times  and  under  all  circum- 
stances to  be  in  favor  of  everything  that  promotes  the  education  and 
cultivates  the  taste  of  the  people. 

* * * The  work  which  you  propose  should  be  encouraged  with 

zeal.  It  reproduces  in  our  own  country,  in  the  capital  of  the  nation,  in 
which  every  man  and  woman  of  the  United  States  hold  an  interest,  and 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


5 


in  the  greatness  and  beauty  of  which  they  entertain  a just  and  patriotic 
pride,  the  architecture  of  the  ancients.  It  will  bring  to  our  doors,  and 
comparatively  without  cost,  that  coveted  knowledge  for  which  travelers 
expend  millions  and  which  antiquarians  seek  beneath  the  ruins  and 
debris  of  the  past. 

I fully  agree  with  you  that  both  Government  and  private  generosity 
might  well  be  exerted  to  help  you  in  this  laudable  work. 

Yours,  very  truly, 

(Signed)'  J.  B.  Henderson. 


THE  NATIONAL  GALLERIES  OF  HISTORY  AND  ART. 

Resolution  of  the  National  Educational  Association  of  the  United 

States. 

During  the  convention  of  the  association  at  Saratoga  Springs,  X.  Y. , 
in  July,  1892,  the  members  greatly  enjoyed  the  study  of  the  Pompeian 
blouse  of  Pansa  and  the  panoramic  painting  of  The  Triumph  of  Con- 
stantine in  the  adjoining  Art  Gallery. 

At  the  close  of  the  session  the  hall  was  filled  with  members  of  the 
association,  including  many  of  the  most  prominent  educators  of  the 
United  States,  who  listened  with  great  interest  to  Mr.  Franklin  \Y. 
Smith’s  exposition  of  his  design  for  National  Galleries  of  History 
and  Art. 

On  motion  of  Dr.  William  T.  Harris,  United  States  Commissioner  of 
Education  at  Washington,  seconded  by  Dr.  Edward  Brooks,  superin- 
tendent of  public  education  in  Philadelphia,  it  was  unanimously 
resolved — 

“That  the  members  of  the  National  Educational  Association  present 
most  earnestly  indorse  the  enterprise  for  .National  Galleries  of  History 
and  Art,  which  has  been  clearly  demonstrated  by  Mr.  Franklin  W. 
Smith  as  of  the  greatest  educational  value  to  the  people  of  the  United 
States  and  to  be  thoroughly  practicable  in  its  details,  and  that  the  mem- 
bers present  will  by  all  means  in  their  power  endeavor  to  second  his 
efforts  to  promote  its  establishment.” 

(Signed)  E.  H.  Cook,  President. 


Maryland  Institute  for  the  Promotion 

of  the  Mechanic  Arts, 
Baltimore , September  /p,  1891 . 

Franklin  W.  Smith,  Esq. 

Dear  Sir:  The  undersigned  were  appointed  a committee  at  the 
meeting  of  the  board  of  directors  of  the  Maryland  Institute  on  Monday 
evening,  14th  instant,  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a copy  of  your 
‘‘Design  and  Prospectus”  for  National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art  at 
Washington,  D.  C. 

The  committee  beg  to  express  the  fullest  appreciation  by  the  board  of 
the  vast  importance  of  the  plans,  the  details  of  which  you  so  ably  and 
interestingly  develop. 

It  is  a matter  of  such  national  importance  that  not  only  should  it  com- 


6 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


mend  itself  to  all  lovers  and  patrons  of  art  and  literature,  but  the  Gov- 
ernment itself  should  be  induced  to  lend  it  sufficient  aid  and  coopera- 
tion to  insure  its  most  complete  and  lasting  success. 

Yours,  most  sincerely, 

W.  H.  Perkins, 

John  L.  Lawton, 

E.  J.  Codd, 

Committee. 


THE  DEVELOPMENT  OF  THE  DESIGN. 

Note. — Early  in  1899,  through  overwork,  the  health  of  Mr.  Smith 
was  utterly  prostrated.  The  opening  of  the  Halls  was  appointed  for 
February,  the  dace  of  the  unprecedented  blizzard  that  held  Washington 
in  Arctic  environment  for  thirty  days.  I11  May,  under  medical  direction, 
Mr.  Smith  sailed  for  Carlsbad. 

Returning  from  Europe  in  August  he  was  forbidden  to  resume  work 
in  Washington  before  the  middle  of  October.  Meanwhile,  the  activity 
in  all  constructions  made  it  impossible  to  obtain  iron  for  completion  of 
the  Egyptian  facade  with  the  columns  of  Karnak,  and  also  of  other 
details. 

Rut  there  is  accomplished  in  the  Halls  an  abundance  of  absorbing 
interest— beyond  the  time  that  observers  generally  can  afford  for  its 
study — of  which  the  description  herein  is  evidence. 

The  circumstances  above  mentioned  also  delayed  issue  of  this  hand- 
book. 

In  my  Prospectus  of  a Design  for  National  Galleries  of  History  and 
Art,  published  in  1891,  is  recorded  the  following: 

“I  am  indebted  to  the  cooperation  and  architectural  ability  of  Mr. 
James  Remvick  and  his  partners,  Messrs.  Remvick,  Aspinwall  & Russell, 
for  the  superb  drawings  illustrating  my  imaginative  description  of  the 
National  Galleries. 

“Mr.  Renwick’s  national  reputation  as  architect  of  the  Cathedral  in 
New  York,  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution  and  Corcoran  Art  Gallery  in 
Washington,  dates  from  his  first  and  monumental  work,  Grace  Church, 
New  York,  1843.” 

The  decease  of  my  lamented  friend  closed  his  eager  participation  in 
the  enterprise.  This  reminiscence  revives  other  cooperation  on  record. 
Mr.  S.  W.  Woodward,  of  Washington,  was  the  most  generous  distributer 
of  the  Prospectus ; and  the  construction  of  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients  is 
due  principally  to  the  aid  of  Mr.  Woodward.  The  Halls  of  the  Ancients, 
reconstructions  unique  in  the  world  of  educational  interest,  might  not 
have  been  accomplished  without  his  early  financial  support. 

During  the  years  that  I have  labored  to  promote  National  Galleries,  a 
national  monument,  the  Congressional  Library,  has  been  constructed, 
challenging  comparisons  in  the  world. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  7 

It  is  a gratification  to  quote  a letter  of  Mr.  Paul  J.  Pelz,  architect  of 
the  Library,  offering  gratuitously  his  advisory  counsel  in  preparation 
of  plans  of  the  Galleries,  as  follows,  viz: 

Washington,  July  5, 1898. 

Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith. 

My  Dear  Sir:  Your  design  for  National  Galleries  and  Courts  com- 
mands my  admiration  for  its  comprehensiveness,  its  system  of  arrange- 
ment, and  its  evident  practical  value  for  stimulating  the  education  of  the 
American  people. 

While  the  combination  is  of  surpassing  grandeur,  its  simplicity  and 
the  moderate  elevation  of  its  parts  can  insure  its  construction  at  a cost 
less  than  that  of  several  structures  in  the  United  States. 

It  is  a pleasure  to  offer  to  you  my  gratuitous  services  as  advisory 
architect  in  the  preparation  of  the  new  plans  you  propose,  and  which  are 
an  improvement  upon  your  first  arrangement  of  the  Courts. 

Yours,  very  truly, 

(Signed)  Paul  J.  Pelz. 

General  Casey,  U.  S.  A.,  the  military  engineer  in  charge  of  the  con- 
struction, wrote  to  Mr.  Pelz  as  follows: 

“You  have  now  entirely  completed  the  designs  of  the  architectural 
characteristics  and  features  of  the  building  for  the  Library  of  Congress, 
both  of  the  exterior  and  interior,  for  which  jour  services  have  been 
exclusively  employed. 

“Allow  me  to  thank  you  for  the  assistance  you  have  rendered  in  the 
artistic  and  lesthetic  branch  of  the  general  design  of  the  building,  and  to 
congratulate  you  upon  the  permanent  result,  to  which  you  may  always 
refer  with  pride.’’ 

Having  thus  an  eminent  substitute  for  Mr.  Renwick’s  loss,  with  a 
vantage  ground  for  demonstration  in  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients,  I have 
increased  courage  and  confidence  in  the  promotion  of  the  National  Gal- 
leries; especially  considering  the  years  that  passed  between  the  selection 
of  the  design  of  Messrs.  Smithmeyer  & Pelz  in  1874  by  the  commission 
appointed  for  the  purpose — 1886 — when  the  appropriation  was  made  for 
the  structure  and  1897,  which  witnessed  its  completion. 

To  Mr.  Henry  Ives  Cobb,  architect  of  the  Chicago  University,  of  the 
new  Pennsylvania  State  Capitol,  the  new  immense  Government  Building 
in  Chicago,  etc.,  I am  indebted  for  the  revised  drawing  of  the  National 
Galleries.  At  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  A.  Giraud  Browning,  F.  S.  A., 
associated  in  engineering  of  works  upon  the  Nile,  the  order  is  reversed, 
the  Egyptian  and  Assyrian  facades  in  their  massive  stateliness  forming  a 
Grand  Portal  to  the  Courts. 


Franklin  Webster  Smith. 


s 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


Great  Malvern.  England,  Aug-.  3th,  1899. 

My  Dear  Mr.  Smith  : I have  repeatedly  visited  your  reproductions  of 
Greek  and  Roman  architecture,  botli  in  Saratoga  and  in  Washington,  and 
highly  approve  your  plan  so  far  as  it  is  carried  out,  and  the  still  more  im- 
portant conception  that  remains  to  be  executed  hereafter.  If  it  be  reduced 
to  a material  form,  it  will  have  great  educational  value  for  the  country. 

I expect  to  do  what  I can  to  induce  Congress  to  aid  and  promote  the  under- 
taking. But  how  far  it  will  consent  to  any  large  immediate  expenditure, 
until  the  war  is  over,  I cannot  say,  I do  not  like  to  be  one  of  the  persons 
who  volunteer  advice  to  men  of  wealth  what  they  shall  do  with  their  money. 
I think  that  men  who  know  how  to  acquire  large  fortunes  without  other  peo- 
ples’ help  or  advice,  generally  know  how  to  expend  them  without  other  peo- 
ples’ help  or  advice. 

So  I do  not  volunteer  to  call  the  attention  of  anybody  in  private  station  to 
your  scheme,  however  generous  may  be  any  gentlemen  of  wealth  among  my 
acquaintance  ; but  I believe  any  aid  which  may  be  given  to  you  in  this  mat- 
ter would  be  a great  public  service.  * * * I think  your  illustrations  of 

architecture,  both  public  and  domestic,  will  be  a great  ornament  to  the 
capital,  and  that  they  should  be  treated  by  Congress  and  the  people  as 
wholly  public,  and  encouraged  in  every  way  possible.  The  devoting  your 
time,  money,  and  best  thought  to  this  great  purpose  is  worthy  of  all  com- 
mendation. 

I am  with  high  regard,  faithfully  yours, 

(Signed)  Geo.  F.  Hoar. 

Franklin  W.  Smith*,  Esq. 


Paris,  September  23 , 1898. 

Mr.  Smith, 

President  National  Galleries  Co., 

Care  of  Messrs.  Baring  Bros..  London. 

Dear  Sir  : We  have  been  very  interested  by  reading  about  your  splendid 
plan  for  National  Galleries  in  Washington.  Moreover,  we  consider  that 
every  one  taking  the  smallest  interest  in  the  life  of  the  ancients  will  be 
delighted  to  see  them. 

Allow  us  to  suggest  a new  idea,  which  will  please  most  people  in  the 
United  States  as  well  as  in  Europe.  It  would  be  of  a great  interest  to  pub- 
lish a book  containing  reproductions  to  life  of  scenes  in  the  different  Halls, 
with  numerous  people  in  costume,  and  we  should  not  be  surprised  to  hear 
that  the  well-known  beautiful  fair  ladies  of  the  States  will  be  eager  to  have 
their  photographs  taken  in  splendid  Roman  or  Assyrian  costumes  amongst 
the  beautiful  sceneries  and  furniture  of  the  Galleries. 

Everybody  would  so  learn  the  very  life  of  the  ancients  and  get  a living, 
indelible  remembrance  of  nice  young  American  faces  and  dresses  in  very, 
very  old  time.  Our  firm  probably  might  compose  a magnificent  work  for 
this  purpose  with  the  newest  process  of  reproduction,  in  colors,  ornaments, 
etc.,  and  the  profits  of  the  sale  might  be  employed  for  charity. 

We  shall  be  very  pleased  to  hear  about  the  success  of  the  enterprise,  and 
we  remain  dear  sir, 

Yours  very  faithfully, 

(Signed)  Firmin'  Didot. 

The  house  of  Firmin  Didot  (the  Harpers  of  Europe)  was  founded  in  1 730. 
It  is  famous  for  the  most  splendid  editions-dc-luxc  published  bv  Napoleon, 
the  French  Academy,  etc. 


Part  I. 

The  Ancient  royal  Tyrian  and 
Imperial  Roman  purple  was  in 
shade  nearest  to  the  modem  bril- 
liant red  or  scarlet  in  color. 


HALLS  OF  THE 

ANCIENTS 

FOR 

PROMOTION  of 
NATIONAL 
GALLERIES  of 
HISTORY  and 
ART  in 

WASHINGTON 


An  Assyrian  Column 
in  the 

Halls  of  the  Ancients, 
Washington. 


C.  Chipiez,  Restorer. 


1 


THE 


Halls  of  the  Ancients 


CONSTRUCTED  TO  DEMONSTRATE 


THE  PRACTICABILITY  OF  THE  PRECEDING 

DESIGN 


FOR 

National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art 


WASHINGTON. 


1312,  1314,  1316,  1318  New  York  Avenue, 
WASHINGTON. 


THE 


SECOND  HAND-BOOK 


OF  THE 


Halls  of  the  Ancients. 


Memorial  Temples.  Galleries  of  American  History. 


Descriptions  of 

The  Egyptian  Portal 

Hall  of  Egyptian  Gods  and  Kings 

The  Roman  or  Pompeian  House 
The  Lecture  Hall 
Moorish  Hall  of  Benzaquin 
The  Assyrian  Throne  Room 
Roman  Historical  Gallery 
The  Cosmorama 
Hall  of  the  Model  of  Design 

FOR 

National  Courts  and  Galleries 

OF 

History  and  Art- 

and  Hall  of  Egyptian  Arts  and  Crafts. 


The  halls  of  the  ancients 

are  constructed  to  illustrate  the  art,  architecture,  religion,  life  and  manners  of 
Egyptian,  Assyrian,  Greco-Roman,  and  Saracenic  nations. 

Primarily  the  motive  of  the  enterprise  was  not  a novel  and  instructive 
exhibition  as  a business  investment,  but  to  demonstrate  the  feasibility,  with 
material  from  modern  archaeology,  of  such  re-creations  upon  a scale  cover- 
ing the  entire  range  of  the  early  nationalities,  as  proposed  in 

A Design  for  National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art. 

The  Halls  and  their  contents  are  simply  specimens  of  a magnificent 
whole,  conceived  and  modeled  from  data  of  ancient  history  and  remains  of 
ancient  constructions.  (V.  Description  of  Hall  of  the  Model.) 

The  Egyptian  portal  and  Facade. 

“ Concerning  Egypt,  I shall  extend  my  remarks  to  a great  length, 
because  there  is  no  country  that  possesses  so  many  wonders,  nor  any  that 
has  such  a number  of  works  which  defy  description.” — (Herodotus,  B.  C. 
4S4.) 

“When  from  the  heights  of  modern  civilization,  as  from  a mount  of 
vision,  man  endeavors  to  trace  its  rise  and  progress,  he  loses  sight  of  its 
origin  in  the  chaos  of  a remote  past,  ‘ without  form  and  void  ’ ; but  from 
its  distant  horizon  a sheen  of  light  glimmering  across  the  dark  expanse 
breaks  into  corruscation  from  the  banks  of  the  Nile.” — (Balzac.) 

“All  things  were  singular  or  mysterious  in  this  country  evermore  famous. 

“ The  first  pages  of  human  annals  entertain  us  witli  its  immense  works, 
and  the  progress  of  science  in  our  days  has  not  weakened  the  interest  they 
have  always  excited.  All  classical  antiquity  has  preserved  for  Egypt  a 
renown  that  proves  a government  habitually  founded  upon  the  true  interests 
of  the  country.” — (Champollion.) 

“Architecture  is  the  printing-press  of  all  ages,  and  gives  a history  of  the 
state  of  society  in  which  a structure  was  erected.” — (Lady  Morgan.) 

The  design  of  The  Portal  reproduces  a section  of  the  Hypostyle  Hall  of 
Karnak,  with  two  of  its  six  pairs  of  columns  70  ft.  high  and  12  ft.  in  diam- 
eter, the  largest  interior  supporting  shafts  ever  reared  by  man.  The  capitals, 
22  ft.  in  diameter,  have  area  sufficient  for  100  men.  The  decorations  are 
copied  from  Egyptian  originals. 

“The  temple  of  Karnak  is  perhaps  the  noblest  effort  of  architectural 
magnificence  ever  produced.  Its  principal  dimensions  are  1200  ft.  in  length 
by  about  360  in  width,  covering  about  10  acres,  or  nearly  twice  the  area 
of  St.  Peter’s.  The  Hypostyle  Hall  is  internally  greater  than  the  Cathe- 
dral of  Cologne.  The  mass  of  its  central  piers  are  so  arranged  and  lighted 
as  to  give  an  idea  of  infinite  space;  at  the  same  time  the  massiveness  of 
forms  and  the  brilliancy  of  colored  decorations,  combine  to  stamp  this 
as  the  greatest  of  man’s  architectural  works.” — (Fergusson.) 

*3 


jffa/l  of  Egyptian  Sods  and  Swings, 

or 

Jffa//  of  Co /umns. 


Rameses  Fighting  from  His  Chariot  and  Passing  Sentence  on  Captives. 


The  frontispiece  is  from  the  drawing  for  this  Hall,  which  might  well 
be  named  the  Saulenhof,  or  Hall  of  Columns,  after  that  built  by  Lepsius  in 
the  Museum  of  Berlin.  It  excels  the  latter  in  grandeur  of  dimensions  and 
beauty  of  decoration.  The  paintings  selected  for  the  walls  are  more  exclu- 
sively religious  and  royal  symbols  and  ceremonials — pictorial  semblances 
of  godlike  conceptions  and  kingly  dignities,  with  enhanced  solemnity  by 
the  aisle  of  vast  uplifting  columns. 

The  dimensions  of  the  Hall  are  in  length  72  ft.,  width  33  ft.,  height  30  ft. 
Its  twelve  columns,  in  pairs,  correspond  with  the  order  of  the  Hypo- 
stvle  Hall  of  Karnak.  They  are  30  ft.  high,  4 ft.  6 inches  in  diameter, 
and  of  three  styles  of  capitals  ; the  Palm,  Lotus-bud,  and  the  Hathor. 
They  are  6 ft.  6 inches  higher  and  one  foot  in  diameter  larger  than  the 
columns  of  the  Saulenhof.  The  shafts  of  the  palm  columns  will  be  covered 
with  the  subjects  chosen  by  Lepsius  for  Berlin.  The  Hathor  columns,  with 
details  from  the  temple  of  Dendera,  are  three-fourths  the  height  of  the  origi- 
nals ; the  largest  of  that  style  in  Egypt. 

It  is  believed,  therefore,  that  the  Hall  of  Gods  and  Kings  is  the  most 
imposing  columnar  reconstruction  from  Egypt  that  has  yet  been  attempted. 

The  largest  columns  in  the  Egyptian  Court  in  the  Crystal  Palace  in  Hyde 
Park  in  1S51  were  17  ft.  6 inches  high  and  3 ft.  6 inches  in  diameter. 

♦This  hall  was  not  finished  in  1S98.  Thi  palm  and  lotus-bud  columns  were  fully 
constructed  with  capitals  and  the  latter  decorated.  Ceiling  and  wall  decorations,  in 
part  with  the  eight  columns,  give  strong  impressions  of  the  grandeur  and  beauty  in 
completion. 

14 


EGYPTIAN’ HALL  OF  COLUMN’S. 


15 


The  ceiling  is  for  decoration  in  three  compartments.  One  is  “ sown  with 
five-pointed  golden  stars”  relieved  by  beams  covered  with  cartouches  and 
h ieroglvph ic  i user iptions. 

“ The  monotony  of  this  Egyptian  heaven  is  farther  varied  by  the  winged 
vultures  of  Nelsheb  and  Nati,  goddesses  of  the  south  and  the  north,  crowned 
and  armed  with  divine  emblems,  which  hovered  above  the  nave  of  the  Hypo- 
style  Halls  and  on  the  under  side  of  the  lintels  of  the  great  doors  above  the 
head  of  the  king  as  he  passed  through  on  his  way  to  the  sanctuary.” 


The  King  upon  His  Chariot. 

The  walls  of  the  Hall  of  Gods  and  Kings  will  reproduce  the  paintings 
of  the  procession  of  the  Gods  in  the  Temple  of  Thothmes  III,  in  Karnak, 
from  which  Maspero  named  it  The  Processional  Hall — copied  bv  Lepsius 
in  the  Saulenhof. 

The  observer  of  these  fantastic  expressions  of  ideals  from  the  religious 
system  of  a nation  that  has  left  the  earliest  and  most  imperishable  monuments 
of  its  creative  genius,  and  the  most  ineffaceable  records  of  its  faith  and 
worship  in  existence,  should  consider  that  these  multiplied  tableaux,  crowd- 
ing more  and  more  the  surfaces  of  temples,  houses,  furniture,  and  coffins, 
were  deemed — 

“ to  possess  a magical  property,  of  which  the  power  and  nature  were  deter- 
mined by  each  word  inscribed  at  the  moment  of  consecration.  Every  subject, 
therefore,  was  an  amulet  as  well  as  an  ornament.  At  the  time  of  the  iSth 


1 6 


HAI.L  OK  GODS  AND  KINGS. 


Dynasty  it  was  thought  that  two  or  three  such  amulets  sufficed  to  compass 
the  desired  effect ; but  later  it  was  believed  there  could  not  be  too  many. 
Under  the  Greeks  and  Romans  the  walls  were  more  crowded  and  the  figures 
more  compressed.  A chamber  of  Edfou,  or  Denderah,  yields  more  material 
for  study  than  the  Hypostyle  Hall  of  Karnak.  * * * These  multitudes 

of  episodes  form  the  links  of  one  continuous  chain  * * * in  the  devel- 

opment of  a religious  dogma.”* 

The  lower  belt  will  display  kingly  scenes  from  Karnak  and  Luxor  of 
battle,  victory,  triumph,  tribute,  and  sacrifice,  leading  to  the  greeting  and 
welcome  of  the  gods.  These  were  in  sequence  of  homage  and  worship. 

Illustrative  objects  will  be  supplied  as  rapidly  as  possible,  of  which  draw- 


Attack  of  a Fortress. 


ings,  prints,  or  photographs  are  on  exhibition.  On  the  pavement  will  be 
duplicated  those  accordant  with  the  dignity  of  the  subjects  represented  upon 
the  surrounding  walls. 

The  Throne  Pavilion  anti  Chair  set  up  by  Lepsius  will  be  duplicated 
precisely  from  a scale-drawing  of  the  original  supplied  by  Herr  Bouchard, 
architect,  Berlin. 

Later  the  seated  statue  of  Ramesis  II  (Sesostris)  will  fill  the  throne, 
modeled  by  Signor  Giordani,  who  has  executed  the  statue  of  Sennacherib, 
columns,  the  altar  of  the  Roman  House,  and  many  other  details  of  the 
Halls. 

A royal  divan,  as  restored  by  Hottenroth,  in  color  ; a palanquin,  standards, 
modeled  after  the  most  recent  and  authoritative  drawings,  casts  of  gods  and 
kings,  it  is  anticipated  will  be  soon  accomplished. 


Maspero’s  Egyptian  Archaeology,  Chap.  II. 


HALL  OF  COLUMNS. 


*7 


Thus  will  be  materialized  the  description  of 

THE  PALACE  OF  AMASIS. 

“ The  lofty  reception  hall,  with  its  ceiling  sown  with  thousands  of  golden 
stars  and  supported  by  gaily  painted  columns,  presented  a magic  appear- 
ance. Lamps  of  colored  papyrus  hung  against  the  walls  and  threw  a 
strange  light  on  the  scene,  something  like  that  when  the  sun’s  rays  stream 
through  tinted  glass.  The  space  between  the  columns  and  the  walls  was 
filled  with  choice  plants,  palms,  oleanders,  pomegranates,  oranges  and 


Palanquins  and  Carriages.* 


roses,  behind  wrhich  an  invisible  band  of  harp  and  flute  players  was  stationed, 
who  received  the  guests  with  music.” 

This  description  is  borrowed  from  paintings  on  walls  which  have  been 
reproduced  by  Wilkinson,  Rosetti,  Lepsius  and  others. — (Ebers,  “ The 
Egyptian  Princess.”) 

“ The  Witness  of  the  monuments.” 

“ Some  of  us  can  still  remember  the  thrill  of  half-incredulous  surprise  with 
which  the  earlier  announcements  of  the  successful  translation  of  Egyptian 
hieroglyphics  were  received.  Champollion,  following  up  the  hint  of  our 
own  fellow-countryman  Young,  found  the  key  (rusty  indeed,  but  still  useful) 
to  the  monumental  inscriptions  of  ancient  Egypt;  and,  albeit  with  much 
groaning  of  springs  and  wards,  unlocked  the  gate  which  led  straight  back  to 
the  long  forgotten  past.  Then  Grotefend’s  inspired  guess  opened  for  us  the 

* Several  of  the  above  illustrations  are  from  the  German  edition  of  Champollion- 
Figeac. 


IS 


HALL  OF  GODS  AND  KINGS. 


libraries  of  Assyria  and  Babylonia.  Discovery  followed  hard  upon  discovery. 
Belzoni,  Layard,  Rawlinson,  George  Smith,  Brugsch.  Naville,  Sayce, 
Renouf  and  others,  scholars  or  explorers,  threw  themselves  into  the  work, 
with  a result  that  is  little  short  of  marvelous.  Cities,  temples,  statues, 
books ! The  art,  science,  literature,  religion,  that  had  lain  for  millenniums 
in  the  dust  of  death — all  are  restored  to  us.  The  Very  languages  these  old- 
world  people  spoke — the  accents  of  their  tongues — we  hear  their  echoes  ! 

“ Their  histories,  poems,  romances,  their  ledgers,  too,  and bankingaccounts, 
the  details  of  their  daily  business,  are  in  our  hands.  The  lover’s  sonnet,  the 
mourner’s  plaint,  the  captive's  cry,  the  hum  of  the  busy  city,  the  tumult  of 
the  market  place,  the  tramp  of  soldiers  marching  to  the  war,  are  in  our 


Judgment  of  the  Soul. 

ears.  The  voice  of  the  forgotten  multitudes  appeals  to  us,  and  we  feel 
that  we  are  linked  to  the  venerable  civilizationsof  the  past  by  the  myriad  ties 
of  a common  nature,  a common  life.  Day  by  day  the  truth  of  the  wise 
man’s  apothegm  is  forced  upon  us:  * There  is  nothing  new  under  the  sun.’ 
Creeds  and  customs  are  alike  traced  back  to  an  antiquity  till  now  undreamed 
of.  Religion,  above  all,  is  found  to  have  preserved,  as  flies  in  amber,  the 
ideas  which  filled  the  minds  of  worshipers  whose  parting  prayer  was 
uttered  six  thousand  years  ago.  Cherubim  and  Seraphim,  the  tempting 
seipent,  the  scaly  dragon,  the  flaming  sword,  the  tree  of  life,  the  solemn 
Sabbaths — these  things  were  spoken  of,  with  bated  breath,  by  the  waters  of 
Babylon,  long  centuries  before  Abram  set  out  from  Ur  for  Haran  and  the 
land  of  Canaan.  It  has  already  come  to  this — that  we  know  more  intimately 
the  modes  of  life  and  thought  of  the  good  folk  of  Memphis,  Ur  and  Erecli 
of  six  thousand  years  ago,  than  we  do  of  the  life  of  our  own  Saxon  fore- 
fathers.”— (J.  H.  S.  Moxlky,  National  Review.) 


Plan  of 
First  Floor 

E q-V  PTIAN 
HALL 

Taberna  \ or  THE 

OF  m 

Roman  or  Pompeian  < Kinc^s 
Annex  40^  An  D 

The 

4?  Pompeian  or  Roman  (-Halls. 


Ub  5co)t 


^iax\V\\w  ,>N  SXvVyVv^tfc. 


NN  . V.  VJ  ntt, 


20 


DISCOVERY  OF  HERCULANEUM,  16S9. 


The  annexed  most  interesting  fac-si miles  are  from  two  pamphlets 
(London,  1750)  discovered  by  Mr.  Smith  in  Leipsig  in  1S99.  The  foot- 
notes reveal  the  first  published  announcements  of  the  discoveries,  and  that 
Herculaneum  was  found  before  Pompeii. 

MEMOIRS 

CONCERNING 

HERCULANEUM, 

THE 

SuBTER  R/VNEAN  ClTY, 

Lately  difeovered  at  the 

Foot  of  Mount  Fefuvius , 

GIVING 

A particular  Account  of  the  molt  remarkable 
Buildings,  Statues,  Paintings,  Medals, 
and  other  Curiofities  found  there  to  the  pre- 
fent  Time, 


IBS 

Us* 


) R the  $at:sfa£hon  or 
o new  and  unexpeftfd 


CHAP.  I. 

An  A '.count  of  the  firjl  Dif  overies  in  16S9,  and  1711. 

if  the  curio  9 Enquirer,  into 
a M.ater,  now  brought  to 
-ight  from  fo  ren  ete  a Tune,  it  may  be  necefnry 
o begin  this  Ditcotirfe  from  die  f.rft  Attempts  made 
in  the  latter  End  of  the  daft  Age.  Therefore  I fnail 
recount  all  that  is  faid  on  that  Subjtft,  in  the  Memoirs  of  the 
royal  Academy  of  Paris  (1) ; and  alio  by  the  celebrated  M.  Bior.- 
tbini,  in  his  Book  of  Lniverfal  Hiftory  (z). 

“ At  the  Foot  of  r his  Mountain,  ..bout  two  Miles  from  the 
“.Sea,  in  the  Year  1689,  fome  Earth  having  been  removed, 
“ the  Workmen  obferved  Layers  of  E rth.  that  feemed  dif- 
“ poied  in  Order,  as  if  they  were  Floors  or  Pavements,  placed 
“ horizontally  over  each  other. 

“ Tne  Owner  of  the  Ground  being  inclinable  on  this  Occ.l- 
“ Sion  to  fearch  farther,  conti- tmd  tne  Digging,  and  under  the 
“ fourth  Layer,  found  fome  Stones  with  Imcriptiom  on  them  ; 
“ on  which  he  ordered,  that  they  fhould  continue  their  Search 
“ till  the  Water  prevented  them. 


(1)  Memoires  d*  Literature  tnm.  15.  Des  etr.brafemenKio  Mont  Vefuve. 
(1)  Iftoria  Univerfalc  di  Mrnliftnor  Bianchmi.  Rona  1699.  pag.  246.6 
Ivi  1748. 


DISCOVERY  OF  HERCULANEUM,  16S9. 


?■! 


/ 


The  Congratulations  of  the  Commonwealth  of 
Learning  in  the  North, 

On  Account  of  the'Annent  Monuments,  which  have  been  dug 
out  of  the  lately  dilcovered  City  of  Herculaneum , in  the 
Kingdom  of  Naples. 

From  an  Academical  Oration  of  John  Matthias  Gelher,  Public 
Profcjfor  in  tie  Royal  LFiiverfty  of  Gottingen,  for  performing 
the  Ten  Years  Solemnities  of , that  Univerfity,  and  commencing 
v.ru>  ones,  pul'lijied  at  Gottingen  in  September  1747. 

THE  Report  of  an  antient  City  about  to  be  dug  up 
out  of  the  Allies  and  Rubbifh  of  Mount  Vefuvius , 
which  the  French,  Britiji,  and  German  Papers  called //<•- 
taclea , but  which  rhey  fr.ould  with  gre  ter  Propriety  nitr.e  Her - 
f.uhnum,  or  Herculaneum  , that  Report,  1 lay,  which  for  feveral 
Years  pad  had  been  fpread  throughout  Germany , hath  been 
dome  time  revived.  For  this  Sea  port  Town,  fituated  a few 
Miles  Dillance  from  the  very  Opening  of  Vefuvius , Part  of  it 
having  already  fallen  m the  Confulffiipof  Regulus  arid  Virginias, 
and  the  Remainder  bemg  in  3 tottering  Condition,  a few  Years 
after,  that  is,  in  the  fsrft  known  Eruption  of  Vefuvius, 
was  utterly  fwallowed  up,  burnt,  and  overwhelmed  by 
the  Sand,  Aflies,  and.  Stones,  which  were  call  out  of  its  hor- 
rible Cavity. 

While  therefore  Charles  King  of  the  two  Sicilies , whofe 
Diligence  in  furr.ifliing  his  Gallery  is  elfewhere  celebrated,  was 
founding  new  S'rrudlures  and  Villas;  it  is  affirmed,  that  there 
were  diicoveicd  not  only  trifling  Reliques,  fuch  as  Statues,  Pil- 
lars, and  Urn$;  but  evidently  an  entire  City,  and  in  it  Koufes 
furniflied,  and  Men  completely  habited,  as  they  had  been  fur- 
prized  by  the  Calamiry.  I am  not  now  at  Leifure  to  inquire 
whether  what  we  read  of  the  newly  found  City  carries  an  Air 
of  Credibility;  or  by  what  Means  l’o  many  Things  could  he 
preferved  entire  for  eighteen  hundred  Years.  When  it  appears 
by  the  Teflimony  of  credible  Witnelfes,  what  hath  been  found, 
it  will  be  a proper  Scalon  for  fucli  Enquiries.  I am  rather  in- 
clined to  dwell  a little  upon  no  unpleafing  Speculation.  If  we 
may  be  permitted  to  fuppofe,  that  thole  Things  arc  true,  which 
a e related  upon  no  fufficient  Authority,  wh3t  a new'  Face  of 
Things, what  a furprifing  Acquifition  of  Learnirg,wili  hence  atife1 
What  mighty  Contentions  of  Antiquaries  will  fublide  by  the 
Removal  of  the  Dull  of  Vefuvius  ! And  how  many  new  ones  will 


22 


DISCOVERY  OF  HERCULANEUM,  16S9. 

rake  their  Place'  Suppofe  any  one  Book  fo  be  fourth,  what 
Knowledge  would  the  Curious  in  that  Part  of  Learning  acquire  ; 
fince  not  fo  much  as  one  Paper  written  by  the  Pen  of  any  learned 
Hand,  nor  one  Leaf  maiked  by  any  skilful  Pencil,  of  that 
Age,  is  arrived  to  the  prelent1  But  if  Fortune  fhould  regard 
Men  ffudiousol  Antiquity,  with  fo  much  Benignly,  as  to  pro- 
duce from  that  Sepulchre,  one  complete  DioJoru,  Si cuius,  uhofe 
Book,  inrclcd  Library,  no  doubt,  adorned  the  Librai  ies  of 
that  Age  and  Neighbourhood;  any  whole  Polybius,  or  Salhj?, 
or  (a  Gift  perhaps  too  valuable  for  our  Deferts ')  a Livy,  or 
Tacitus,  or  the  latter  Part  of  the  Fafh  of  Ovid ; or,  tp  have  an 
Eye  principally  to  our  oven  Country,  thofe  twenty  Books  of 
the  Wars  of  Germany,  which  the  elder  Pliny  began,-  w hen  ho 
bore  Arms  there;  nay,  if  the  whole  Library  of  any  learned  Man 
Should  be  found  (and.  as  the  Villas  in  that  Neighbourhood 
w ere  furnilhed  with  thole  of  Licero  and  Lurullus ; fo  without 
qneltion  .they  were  with  the  Libraries  of  others,  of  which 
Places  of  Retirement  they  are  not  the  meanelf  Ornaments); 
what  a Treafure  to  learned  Men  would  thence  accrue  ! Would 
rot  that  be,  as  it  were,  the  Reftoration  of  the  Roman  Majefty  ? 
Would  it  not  be  a kind  of  happy  Revolution  of  Times? 


This  wonderful  Collcftiori  cf  Antiquities  will  become  larger 
and  more  compleat,  as  the  Work  proceeds  ; and  the  Learned 
will  fit.d  more  new  Monuments  to  clear  their  Doubts,  concern- 
ing an  infinite  Number  of  Hiftorical  Fails,  as  well  as  the  Cuf- 
toms,  Arts,  and  religiot  s Ceremonies  of  the  Antients- 


LONDON: 

Printed  for  D.  Wilson  Bookfeller,  at  Plato’s  Head,  near 
Round,  Court , in  the  Strand.  MDCCL, 


A RESTORATION  OF  THE  TEMPLE  OF  JUPITER,  POMPEII.  ORIGINAL  BY  PROF.  F1SCHETTI,  OF  NAPLES. 


TJhe  ffiomcin  or  ^Pompeian  Jfouse 


POMPEII. 

Go,  seek  Pompeii  now;  —With  pensive  tread 
Roam  through  the  silent  city  of  the  dead. 

Explore  each  spot,  where  still  in  ruin  grand 
Her  shapeless  piles  and  towering  columns  stand, 

Where  the  pale  ivy’s  clasping  wreaths  o’ershade 
The  ruined  Temple’s  moss-clad  colonnade. 

Or  violets  on  the  hearth’s  cold  marble  wave. 

And  muse  in  silence  on  a people’s  grave. 

****** 

Now  shall  thy  deathless  memory  live  entwined 
With  all  that  conquers,  rules  or  charms  the  mind. 

— Macaulay 

VESUVIUS,  A.  D.  79. 

It  is  conceoeu  by  all  travelers  that  Pompeii  is  the  most  interesting  and 
impressive  sight  in  all  Europe.  It  combines  with  the  charm  of  antiquity, 

the  most  interesting  vol- 
canic phenomenon  the 
world  has  known.  All 
are  in  a measure  familiar 
with  the  terrible  fate  of 
Pompeii  ; its  complete 
oblivion  for  nearly  two 
thousand  years,  and  a 
resurrection  which  has 
given  this  Roman  city  a 
power  to  interest,  un- 
equalled even  by  the  Im- 
perial capital. 

From  the  numerous 
private  houses  now  ex- 
cavated in  Pompeii,  the 
houses  of  Pansa  and  of 
Vettius  were  selected  as 
models  from  being  the 
rros'  extensive  and  most  perfect  in  plan,  and  consequently  the  best  known. 
In  proportion  and  arrangement,  this  reproduction  is  nearly  identical. 

In  1S95  the  House  of  Vettius  was  uncovered.  Its  plan  and  decorations 

*3 


PI- AN'  OF  A ROMAN  HOUSE. 

were  more  luxurious  and  elegant  than  those  of  any  dwelling  hitherto 
exhumed.  More  than  one  hundred  photographs  and  colored  transcripts 
of  the  paintings  on  its  walls,  its  ground  plan  and  casts  of  the  objects  in  the 
peristyle  were  ordered  for  the  Roman  House  of  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients, 
and  many  have  been  reproduced.  See  pages  annexed. 

The  arrangement  of  the  houses  of  Pompeii  was  generally  upon  the  plan 
of  all  Roman  houses  of  the  period,  and  conformed  closely  to  the  prescribed 
proportions  of  Vitruvius,  the  architect  whose  authoritative  work  has  come 


The  Atrium,  TabunUm,  and  Peristylium. 

down  to  us.  It  therefore  lends  an  additional  interest  to  the  Pompeian  house, 
that  in  it  we  see  the  usual  Roman  habitations  in  the  time  of  Christ. 

The  doors  will  be  in  accurate  reproduction  after  casts  in  the  Museum  at 
Pompeii  ; detailed  drawings  of  which  were  supplied  by  Prof.  Fischetti. 
Casts  were  made  by  pouring  plaster  into  cavities  left  in  the  scoria;,  where 
the  doors  had  left  their  imprint  before  decay. 

A GRAND  ROMAN  HOUSE : 

ILLUSTRATING  THE  ART,  ARCHITECTURE,  MYTHOLOGY,  AND 
CUSTOMS  OF  THE  ROMAN  EMPIRE.* 

No.  i.  The  Vestibule — Opens  inwardly  upon  the  Atrium,  or  hall. 
The  first  object  which  greets  the  eye  is  a fierce  dog  in  the  act  of  springing 

* A more  complete  description  of  the  Roman  House  and  the  Painting  of  the 


ATRIUM  — CUBICULA — AL.-E. 


25 


upon  the  visitor.  This  device,  in  Mosaic,  was  common  to  the  larger  houses, 
and  indicates  that  it  was  a reminder  of  a dangerous  dog  within  ; quite 
necessary  where  houses  stood  so  invitingly  open.  Beneath  is  written  the 
warning  “ Cave  Canem,”  (Beware  of  the  dog). 

In  the  vestibule  are  brackets  with  busts  called  “ The  p-reat  and  good.” 
This  was  a custom  not  only  in  Pompeii,  but  Rome;  by  which  Socrates, 
Plato,  Cicero,  Ilomer  and  others  were  installed  as  exemplars.  “ Salve  ” 
(welcome)  greets  the  visitor  from  the  pavement  as  he  enters. 

Nos.  2,  3.  The  small  rooms  at  the  side  of  the  vestibule  were  occupied  by 
porters,  who  not  unfrequently  were  chained  slaves. 

No.  4.  The  Vestiakium,  or  Wardrobe. 

No.  5.  The  Atrium  was  an  imposing  hall,  where  the  master  of  the  house 
received  all  who  were  not  admitted  to  the  inner  apartments.  In  the  center 
of  the  roof  is  seen  the  Compluvium  (with  a sacrificial  cornice  of  festoons 
and  skulls  of  bulls),  toward  which  the  roof  sloped  in  order  to  throw  the 
rainwater  into  the  Impluvium  ; a marble  pool  in  the  floor,  where  the 
fountain  throws  its  cooling  spray  into  the  air— the  bottom  painted  as  the 
reflection  of  the  sky  above.  In  the  frieze  of  the  Compluvium  roof,  are 
lion’s  heads  through  which  spouts  carried  the  water  into  the  pool,  whence 
they  passed  into  other  cisterns,  to  be  used  for  household  purposes. 

Tables,  chairs,  couches,  musical  instruments,  tripods,  candelabra,  and  all 
other  furniture  have  been  reproduced  from  originals  preserved  in  the  Naples 
Museum  or  from  wall  pictures  found  in  Pompeii  and  Herculaneum  and 
models  in  the  Naples  Museum.  The  lamps  also  are  modelled  from  one  of 
the  richest  patterns  in  the  great  work  on  antiquities  of  Herculaneum. 

The  chair  of  the  Muses  will  be  recognized  as  familiar  in  ancient  Greek 
bas-relief. 

f^PASS  TO  THE  RIGHT,  through  the  house,  for  numbered  rooms 
in  their  order. 

No.  6,  7.  Are  Cubiculv  (bedrooms).  These  Cubicula  are  the  exact 
size  of  those  in  the  stately  House  of  Pansa.  Specially  noticeable  is  the  bed 
made  after  the  bronze  original  exhumed  in  Pompeii,  with  its  exquisite 
modelling. 

No.  S.  Ai..«,  or  wings,  on  either  side  of  the  Tablinum,  were  recesses 
used  for  rest,  or  conversation.  The  ceilings  are  precise  in  size  and  color 
from  the  richest  specimen  published  by  Nicollini,  in  the  most  superb  work 
yet  issued  upon  Pompeian  relics  and  art. 


Grandeur  of  Rome,  is  issued  as  a separate  Hand-book.  Details  therein  of  Roman  Life 
and  Manners,  with  illustrations  of  their  architectural  environment,  published  during 
the  last  ten  years,  to  the  extent  of  250,000  copies,  from  the  House  of  Pansa,  at 
Saratoga,  have  incited  a demand  for  it  as  a text-book  for  classic  instruction  in  many 
colleges  and  seminaries. 


26 


THE  TABLINUM. 


No.  9.  The  Tablinum,  a central  apartment,  entered  from  the  center  of 
the  Atrium.  This  was  the  private  retreat  of  the  master  of  the  house  ; his 
Sanctum,  where,  in  cabinets,  were  kept  busts  of  ancestors,  family  archives, 
and  srenealogical  tables,  the  latter  giving  the  name  to  the  room.  The  ceiling 
of  the  Tablinum  is  decorated  with  copies  of  the  famous  Mosaics  from  the 
Villa  of  Diomedes,  exhibited  in  the  National  Museum  at  Naples.  A general 
view  suggests  a collection  of  orchids. 

The  cabinets  are  supplied  with  fac-similes  of  ancient  papyrus  manuscripts 


The  Tablinum. 

and  rolls  of  Latin,  simulating  accurately  the  books  of  the  Pompeians  The 
busts  are  in  part  to  illustrate  kindred  5 and  therefore  are  not  all  contempo- 
raneous. 

The  “ Strong  Box  ” is  a precise  copy  of  one  in  the  Museum  at  Naples; 
as  may  be  recognized  from  the  plate  therewith  of  Signor  Monaco. 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  various  copies  of  mural  paintings  found  in 
Pompeii  that  draperies  were  used,  both  at  doors  and  windows,  although  no 
such  textiles  could,  of  course,  have  survived  the  destruction,  even  in  carbon- 
ization. 

No.  10.  From  the  Atrium  again,  we  turn  to  the  right  into  the  Fauces 
(the  jaws),  a narrow  passage  which  obviated  passing  through  the  I'abli- 
jium  to  inner  apartments.  The  principal  ot  these  is — 


THE  PERISTYLIUM THE  EXEDRP  . 


No.  ii.  The  Peristylium,  a court  or  hall  still  larger  than  the  Atrium, 
with  fourteen  columns  inclosing  a space  called  the  Viridarium,  with  Pan 
and  a Satyr  among  the  verdure.  Above  was  another  opening  admitting  air 
and  light.  Here  were  given  private  entertainments,  when  the  colonnade 
was  festooned  with  garlands  of  roses  and  was  gay  with  birds  of  gorgeous 
plumage.  Here  beneath  subdued  lights  moved  those  stately  men  and 
women,  in  their  classic  robes,  while  music  from  flute  and  lyre  stole  upon 
the  ear  from  slaves  concealed  above.  It  is  here  that  Sir  Bulwer  Lvtton 


The  I'tRisTYUUM. 

depicts  the  meetings  of  the  beautiful  lone  with  Glaucus  and  Arbaces  in  the 
“ Last  Days  of  Pompeii.” 

The  ceiling  of  the  Peristyle  is  copied  from  the  Baths  of  Titus.  Few 
ceilings  escaped  destruction  in  the  falling  of  burning  rafters  during  the 
catastrophe. 

No.  12.  The  Exedra,  or  conversation  room,  supplied  the  place  of  the 
modern  drawing-room,  although  the  peristylium  rivalled  it  in  elegance. 
Here  were  the  choicest  adornments  of  a rich  Pompeian  house. 

The  bas-relief  and  engraving  upon  the  wall  illustrate  the  visit  of  Bacchus 
to  Icarius — revealing  that  the  Romans  reclined  in  social  converse,  on  couches 
large  enough  for  several  persons,  and  that  Icarius  did  not  rise  in  homage  to 
the  heaven- born  son  of  Tove. 

3 


3S  THE  BALNEUM — THE  TRICLINIUM. 

No.  13.  A Cubiculum.  In  a room  of  corresponding  size  and  position 
was  found  the  skeleton  of  a woman  with  exquisite  jewelry.  Her  finger 
bone,  encircled  with  rings  found  on  it,  is  preserved  in  the  Naples  Museum. 
The  wall  panels  are  filled  with  replica  of  Pompeian  paintings. 

No.  14.  A Cubiculu.m.  It  contains  six  of  a series  of  paintings  by  Mr.  C. 
II.  Ingraham,  of  Philadelphia,  views  in  Pompeii,  painted  on  the  spot,  during 
two  years’  residence  in  Naples.  Others  are  in  the  Atrium  and  Peristylium. 

No.  15.  Balneum,  or  bath-room.  The  wall  of  this  room  is  from  the 
unique  decoration  of  the  bath-room  in  Diomedes’  villa — a representation  of 
deep  sea-water,  with  fish. 


The  Exedra. 

No.  16.  The  Winter  Triclinium  (dining-room),  named  from  the  couches 
surrounding  the  table,  as  Romans  always  reclined  during  meals.  The  size 
of  the  couch  was  in  accordance  with  the  rule  that  the  number  at  dinner  should 
never  be  less  than  the  Graces  (three),  or  more  than  the  Muses  (nine),  except- 
ing, of  course,  in  larger  banquets.  Grand  houses  had  two  Triclinia,  for 
winter  or  summer  use,  but  the  ancients  were  much  addicted  to  the  pleasures 
of  the  table,  and  called  frequently  into  requisition  the  CEcus,  or  large  hall. 
At  such  times  the  floor  was  strewn  thickly  with  sawdust  stained  in  bright 
colors,  and  at  one  end  of  the  hall  slaves  danced  during  the  meal.  A silver 
hoop  suspended  above  the  table  held  chaplets  of  flowers,  or  even  of  silver, 
for  distribution  among  the  guests.  Guests  reclined  upon  the  side,  with  the 
left  elbow  resting  upon  a cushion. 


SUMMER  TRICLINIUM  — L A L A R I U M . 


29 


Over  the  wall  is  placed  a copy,  by  Zurcher,  of  Boulanger’s  “ Feast  of 
Lucullus.”  The  table  service  has  been  selected  carefully  in  classic  forms. 

No.  17.  Summer  Triclinium.  Here  in  the  summer  the  Pompeian  fami- 
lies took  their  meals  beneath  the  shade  of  trellised  grapevines  as  screen  from 
sun-rays.  Flowers  lined  the  walls,  on  which  were  panelled  pictures  making 
vistas — loopholes  for  the  imagination  to  range  beyond  the  narrow  inclosure. 
The  dining-couch  is  an  exact  reproduction  of  one  remaining  in  Pompeii,  and 


SuMMtR  Triclinium — I.alarium. 

A class  from  Washington  High  School  at  study  in  the  Hortus  ; photographed  for  U.  S.  Educa- 
tional Exhibit  at  Exposition  in  Paris  in  1900. 

at  its  precise  distance  from  the  garden  walls.  The  panels  are  painted  in  oil 
from  originals  in  Herculaneum. 

The  Amphorce  were  made  either  to  stand  in  the  ground  or  to  be  set  in 
c ther  vessels,  and  held  wine,  oil,  etc.  The  vases  were  used  for  bolding 
water,  wheat,  and  other  articles  of  food.  The  base  in  masonry  for  a couch 
is  a precise  replica  of  one  still  in  Pompeii. 

No.  iS.  The  Lai.arxum,  or  household  temple.  Here  the  family  propi- 
tiated their  “ Lares  and  Penates”  with  flowers,  fruits,  and  the  blood  of  ani- 
mals. 

The  altar  is  a precise  reproduction  in  scale  and  decoration  from  that 


3° 


(ECUS HOKTUS  — CULINA. 


remaining  in  the  House  of  Vettius.  Details  of  the  painting  were  taken  by 
Mr.  Smith  in  June,  1899. 

Nos.  19-20.  The  (Ecus,  or  large  hall,  was  an  innovation  borrowed  by 
Pompeians  from  the  Greeks.  It  was  used  for  a banquet  hall.  The  propor- 
tions were  so  regulated  as  to  accommodate  two  I'riclinia , their  respective 
couches  facing  each  other,  with  space  for  servants  to  pass  between  and 
around  them. 

The  Hortus  (garden),  with  walls  oil  painted  in  the  fantastic  style,  always 
followed  in  their  outside  work.  The  first  in  order  represents  a disciple  of 
Bacchus  after  a revel  ; the  second,  a more  noble  Roman,  recumbent,  in 
thoughtful  mood;  another  subject  is  “Orpheus  charming  the  animals” 
with  his  lyre. 

As  soon  as  practicable,  illustrations  of  Roman  masonry  will  be  placed  in 
the  Hortus  with  the  specimens  from  Roman  Baths  in  England. 

No.  21.  Culina  (kitchen).  This  was  between  the  two  Triclinia,  and 
the  brick  stove  in  this  room  is  a model  of  that  found  in  the  House  ofPansa. 
When  the  cooks  took  flight  they  left  loaves  of  bread,  eggs,  nuts,  and  many 
other  articles  of  food  which  are  found  in  a fossilized  state.  Spits  for  roast- 
;n<r  were  laid  across  the  embrasures  of  the  stone.  The  bread  seen  is  modeled 

O 

from  those  excavated  after  their  long  burial.  Chimneys  were  not  used,  char- 
coal not  requiring  them.  The  wall-painting  frequently  seen  in  the  kitchen 
is  thus  described  by  Mazois : 

“ This  is  a religious  painting  found  in  the  kitchen  of  the  House  of  Pansa. 
It  was  a homage  offered  to  the  Gods,  Lares,  under  whose  protection  they 
placed  provisions.  At  the  center  is  represented  a sacrifice  to  these  divinities, 
recognizable  under  the  form  of  two  serpents.  This  is  evidence  that  it  is  a 
religious  and  consecrated  picture.  Birds,  a hare,  fish,  a boar  girded  for 
sacrifice,  bread,  etc.,  surround  the  principal  picture,  as  placed  under  protec- 
tion of  the  domestic  Gods.” 

file  two  birds  chasing  flies  are  emblems  of  the  genii  of  the  kitchen  who 
drive  away  these  pests  from  the  food. 

No.  22.  Pinacotheca  ( picture-room ) contains  oil  paintings  by  Pascal 
(above  alluded  to)  and  Zurcher.  Those  now  on  exhibition  are  : 

Vesuvius  before  the  great  eruption,  and  Pompeii  with  an  ancient  Gal- 
ley, copied  from  a picture  in  Herculaneum. 

The  Forum  in  Pompeii  as  exhumed,  after  photographs  by  Pascal  in 
December,  1SS9,  upon  the  spot. 

A Sacrifice  before  the  Temple  of  Jupiter.  A copy  of  Prof.  Fischetti’s 
Restoration  in  Pompeii,  “ Past  and  Present.” 

Vesuvius  during  eruption. 

A copy  of  Prof.  Fischetti’s  Destruction  of  Pompeii,  by  Pascal. 

No.  23.  The  Bibliotheca,  or  library,  was  never  necessarily  very  large, 
as  literature  in  those  days  was  not  voluminous.  The  rolls,  or  manuscripts, 


M he  bibliotheca. 


3i 

however,  were  not  compact,  like  modern  books.  They  were  made  of  papy- 
rus or  parchment,  and  written  in  ink,  intended  to  be  easily  washed  ofl. 
There  was  a ticket  fastened  to  one  end,  designating  the  subject,  and  the  books 
were  frequently  kept  rolled  up  in  boxes  (Scrinia)  with  tickets  uppermost. 
These  books  when  found  were  at  first  supposed  to  be  charred  sticks  of  wood, 
but  some  have  been  successfully  unrolled  by  painstaking  efforts  of  scientists. 

The  cases  exhibit  plates  of  the  “Antichita  di  Ercolano  ” (Antiqjji 
ties  of  Herculaneum),  a rich  work,  nine  volumes,  folio,  17^7. 

A very  complete  collection  of  notable  works  on  Pompeii  has  been  obtained 


Jt~ 

Hfl 

Lv  JkJi 

1 He  Bibliotheca. 


for  authoritative  study  in  reproduction.  These  comprise  the  works  of 
Mazois,  Barr£,  Cook  & Donaldson,  Zahn,  Overbeck,  Brdton,  Lagreze,  Cell, 
Steeger,  Preshun,  Roux,  and,  latest  and  richest,  the  splendid  work  of  Nicol- 
lini.  From  these  authorities  have  been  taken  plates,  as  models  for  decoration 
of  the  Pompeia.  That  their  careful  reproduction  may  be  observed,  engrav- 
ings from  the  walls  of  Pompeii  and  the  Museum  of  Naples  are  placed  upon 
the  respective  walls  which  are  their  imitation. 

Other  illustrations  of  the  period,  especially  interesting  to  the  student  and 
the  archajologist,  are  the  coins  of  the  period;  the  “ Imperatorium 
Romanorum  Numismata,”  1697  ; fine  copies  of  Bartoli’s  “ Roman  Law,” 


33 


ALA. 


147S  ; the  Natural  History  of  Pliny  the  elder  (who  perished  at  Pompeii), 
1525  ; Vitruvius,  Ferrerio,  Vauthier  and  Lacour,  and  Duchoul.* 

In  the  Bibliotheca  are  also  views  of  Pompeii  as  excavated  ; repi.ica  of 
busts  found  in  Herculaneum,  fac-similes  of  Graffitti,  caricatures  from 
walls  of  the  city,  etc.,  etc. 


Atrium  and  Ala. 

No.  24.  Ala,  another  recessed  alcove  in  Atrium.  The  walls  are  after 
a splendid  copy  reproduced  in  the  “ Denkmaler.”  The  head  of  Achilles  is 
a well-executed  copy  from  the  great  Homeric  painting  found  in  the  “ House 
of  the  Tragic  Poet,”  and  founded  upon  scenes  in  the  “ Iliad.”  The  illus- 
trious Greek  warrior  is  looking  at  his  enemies  bearing  away  his  beloved 

* As  will  be  naturally  concluded,  these  rare  books  are  not  intended  for  public  use  or 
handling. 


ARTICLES  REPRODUCED  FROM  POMPEII. 


33 


handmaiden,  Briseis;  his  eyes  glowing  with  indignation,  and  his  brow 
contracted  with  suppressed  emotion.  The  face  so  full  of  fire,  and  animated 
with  a divinity  difficult  to  express,  lias  given  the  “Head  of  Achilles”  the 
reputation  of  the  finest  youthful  head  left  in  ancient  color. 

Nos.  25,  26.  Cubicula. 

No.  27.  Prothyron,  containing  articles  in  exact  reproduction  from 
originals  found  in  Pompeii,  now  in  the  Naples  Museum  : models  of  bread, 
measures,  censers,  sacrificial  patera,  hinges,  door-handles  richly  orna- 
mented like  modern  renaissance , mirrors,  rich  platters  and  fruit  dishes. 


Taberna 

bells,  an  axe,  etc.,  perfume  boxes,  ttssera  (theatre  tickets)  ; the  sistrum, 
flute,  and  other  musical  instruments;  braziers;  pastry  moulds  (like  the 
modern) ; keys ; various  and  beautiful  models  of  Roman  lamps  ; strigils, 
with  which  the  perspiration  was  scraped  off  after  the  hot  bath  ; gargoils  ; 
bells  ; ointment  boxes  ; compasses  ; weights  ; bas-reliefs  of  jewel  cases,  etc., 
etc.  Mark  the  interesting  bronze  lamp  of  a human  foot,  with  a taper  between 
the  toes  ; a design  probably  brought  from  the  East,  where  the  device  was 
for  prevention  of  bites  of  adders  in  the  dark,  and  thus  suggesting  the  origin 
of  the  Scriptural  comparison,  “ Thy  word  is  a lamp  to  my  feet  and  a light  to 
my  path.”  Reproductions  of  this  lamp  are  for  sale  in  the  Taberna. 


34 


THE  TABERNA. 


Notice  the  tear  bottles,  which,  containing  the  tears  of  mourners,  were 
placed  in  or  near  the  cinerary  urns,  holding  ashes  of  the  dead.  Two 
models  of  such  urns  are  in  the  Larariutn. 

There  is  a slave’s  collar  with  this  inscription  in  Latin,  “ I am  a slave; 
arrest  me  ; I am  running  away.”  This  collar  was  no  doubt  welded  to  the 
neck  of  some  wretch  who  had  endeavored  to  escape  from  the  barbarity  of 
his  master. 

No.  2S.  Taberna,  the  Annex  to  the  Halls  on  New  York  avenue. 
Houses  in  Pompeii,  also  in  Rome,  anciently,  as  in  modern  times,  were 
frequently  surrounded  by  small  shops.  The  Roman  nobles,  like  modern 
Italian  proprietors,  thus  disposed  of  their  own  farm  products.  Here  are 
for  sale  unique  souvenirs  of  the  different  Halls.  Moorish  traceries,  columns 
of  various  architectural  orders,  photographs;  especially  an  assortment  of 
Greek  vases  with  classic  designs,  sketches  in  water  color,  etc.,  etc. 

In  concluding  this  sketch  of  the  most  elaborate  reproduction  of  a Roman 
house  of  the  first  century  of  the  Christian  era  as  yet  attempted,  it  may  not 
be  presuming  to  suggest  that  therein  is  a field  for  instruction,  far  beyond 
novelty  and  entertainment.  Students  of  history  may  here  find  dry  descrip- 
tions illuminated  by  color  and  object.  With  an  entirety  of  the  surroundings 
in  Roman  domestic  life,  painted  by  the  eye  upon  the  retina  of  the  brain,  the 
lives  of  Plutarch  and  other  classics  will  take  more  vivid  interest. 

A profoundly  philosophical  and  interesting  work*  has  this  title: 


- POMPEII— THE  CATACOMBS— THE  ALHAMBRA.” 

‘•A  STUDV  BY  THE  AID  OF  THESE  MONUMENTS  UPON  PAGAN  LIFE  AT  ITS 
DECLINE;  CHRISTIAN  LIFE  AT  ITS  AURORA;  AND  MAHOMETAN  LIFE 
AT  ITS  APOGEE.” 

It  opens  upon  its  broad  generalization  by  this  inquiry: 

“ To-day,  abqve  all,  when  history  has  so  well  comprehended  the  assistance 
it  can  draw  from  an  intimate  alliance  with  archasology,  is  there  a scientific 
pilgrimage  more  agreeable  and  more  useful  than  that  to  Pompeii?” 


Lagreze,  Paris,  1872. 


7jhc  jCecture  jffcitl. 


It.  the  Lecture  Hall  is  The  Painting  of  the  Grandeur  of  Rome 
in  the  Time  of  Constantine. 

The  Great  Painting  above  mentioned,  50  feet  long  by  11  feet  high,  is 
by  eminent  German  painters,  Mr.  George  Peter,  figure  and  architectural 
painter;  Mr.  A.  Biebkrstein,  tree  and  foliage,  and  Mr.  E.  Gschmeidler, 
landscape  and  architectural  artist.  It  is  1 copy  in  part  of  the  work  exe- 


The  Gkandeur  of  Rome  in  the  Time  of  Constantine. 

cuted  by  Professor  Buhlmann,  architectural  archasologist,  and  Professor 
Wagner,  artist,  of  Munich  ; the  result  of  years  of  that  exhaustive  study  and 
research  characteristic  of  the  scholars  of  Germany. 

It  is  in  beautiful  harmony  of  colors:  a glimpse  of  old  Rome  as  it  was  in  a 
bright  and  sunny  day  in  the  time  of  the  first  Christian  Emperor.  The 
amount  of  labor  spent  in  collecting  material  for  so  grand  an  undertaking  can 
hardly  be  imagined.  Only  a more  detailed  study  of  the  buildings,  such  as 
temples,  triumphal  arches,  theatres,  circus  buildings,  etc.,  some  of  which 
are  well  known  to  many  and  of  which  portions  are  seen  to  this  day,  will  re- 
veal what  diligence  was  applied  to  place  all  these  properly  and  with  due 

35 


36 


THE  GRANDEUR  OF  ROME. 


regard  to  their  time  of  construction  and  part  renovation.  It  is  certainly  very 
interesting  to  observe  that  the  marble  monument  at  the  foot  of  the  grand 
stairs  to  the  temple  is  new.  It  represents  the  Emperor  Diocletian  on  horse- 
back in  bronze,  whereas  the  so-called  Tabularium,  the  building  on  the  left 
with  its  galleries  crowded  with  sightseers,  is  of  older  construction.  Above 
this  building  can  be  seen  part  of  the  Palatine  Hill,  crowned  with  the  Em- 
peror’s palace,  and  a part  of  the  old  city  beneath.  The  grandest  piece  of 
architecture  on  the  canvas  is  certainly  the  Temple  of  the  Capitolian  Jupiter, 
with  its  beautifully  carved  cornices  and  pillar  capitals  of  pure  marble,  con- 
trasting in  noble  contour  from  the  clear  sky.  The  temple  court  is  filled  with 
many  concentrated  gifts;  and  many  a masterpiece  of  marble  and  bronze 
statuary  will  be  recognized  in  its  natural  place,  which  may  now  be  a treasure 


in  the  Vatican  or  Louvre.  The  beautiful  architectural  reconstruction  of  the 
city  is  not  the  only  part  of  interest  on  the  painting.  It  also  represents  a great 
historical  day  ; the  entry,  as  triumvir  and  victor,  of  Constantine  the  Great  to 
the  temple  of  Jupiter.  At  the  foot  of  the  stairs  his  chariot,  with  the  affixed 
statue  of  Victory,  is  just  being  turned  back  and  the  Emperor  maybe  seen 
on  the  first  platform,  received  by  the  High  Priest.  In  the  procession  are  the 
chiefs  he  has  conquered,  bound  to  heavy  timbers,  and  a painting  represent- 
ing the  last  battle  is  carried  through  the  streets  amid  the  bearers  of  the  differ- 
ent standards. 

The  painting  is  full  of  life ; streets  are  crowded  and  on  the  housetops 
people  of  rank  view  the  grand  procession.  The  time  of  this  event  is  when 
Rome  must  have  been  overfilled  with  monumental  buildings  of  the  greatest 
splendor.  It  is  well  known  that  this  same  Constantine,  a heathen  until  a few 


THE  TRIUMPH  OF  CONSTANTINE. 

hours  before  his  death,  but  the  great  friend  of  Christianity,  plundered  Rome 
to  embellish  his  favortie  city  Constnntinoplis,  as  it  was  called  in  his  time. 

The  unobstructed  foreground  offers  a view  of  the  Circus  Maximus,  many 
great  buildings,  mausoleums,  statues,  pillars,  etc.  The  river  Tiber,  the 
islands  and  the  bridges,  the  different  hills  and  parts  of  the  city  wall,  are  all 
so  natural  that  one  can  form  a clear  idea  of  the  topography  of  Rome. 

Returning  to  the  design  and  composition  of  this  painting,  it  mav  be  of 
interest  to  know  that  a great  many  fragments  of  ancient  plans  of  Rome,  en- 


graved on  marble  slabs,  have  been  found..  They  may  be  seen  to-day  walled 
up  in  the  halls  of  the  stairway  of  the  Capitoline  Museum.  Besides  these 
plans,  the  constructor  was  obliged  to  study  minutely  the  descriptions  of 
ancient  writers,  the  works  of  many  having  come  down  to  our  dav.  The 
material  for  the  reconstruction  of  temples,  pillars,  and  other  monuments  were 
taken  from  vase  paintings,  seal  rings,  cameos,  coins,  etc.,  so  that  the  general 
appearance  of  Rome,  as  here  compiled,  must  be  approximately  correct.  It 
is  therefore  exceedingly  interesting  for  the  student. 

The  illustration  of  ancient  Roman  architecture  has  been  thus  effectively 
accomplished  through  the  scholarship  and  artistic  ability  of  painstaking 
German  professors  and  artists.  A panoramic  key  gives  explanations  of  the 
details. 


77/oorish  Jffa//  of  ffiensciquin. 


" The  Arabian  style  is  the  product  of  the  most  refined  physical  enjoyment, 
with  all  that  is  be  utilul  The  qualities  exhibited  are  elegance  and  grace  of 
form,  witli  gorgeous  ornament,  and  in  these  qualities  their  style  may  be 
said  to  approach  perfection.  The  journey  to  Granada  in  search  of  Moorish 

architecture  is  a 
deatldess  memory 
to  one  capable  of 
being  impressed 
with  the  labors  of 
one  of  the  greatest 
races  of  decora- 
tors the  world  has 
seen. 

“ Spain,  Africa, 
Persia,  and  India 
bear  witness  to  the 
wonderful  beauty 
of  Saracenic 
structures  that 
seem  more  the 
realization  of 
dreams  than  the 
actual  work  of 
mortal  hands. 

‘ ‘ W h e n we 
think  of  the  cour- 
age, the  faith,  and 
the  voluptuous- 
ness of  the  fol- 
io wers  of  Mo- 
hamet, as  well  as 
their  fanaticism 
and  cruelty,  we 
are  not  surprised 
at  such  an  out- 
come of  the  Arab- 
ian soul.  Like  a 
flower  that  seems 
Hail  is  House  of  Bensaquin  'all  the  more  pre- 

cious because  it 

blooms  in  the  crevices  of  the  volcano,  so  also  these  dreams  of  Moorish  art 
become  all  the  more  bewilderingly  beautiful,  because  they  are  the  voluptuous 
reaction  of  spirits  that  in  their  periods  of  activity  drenched  the  eaith  with 
human  blood.” — ( The  Decorator.) 

This  critical  description  is  pictured  in  Tennyson’s  Recollections  of  the 
Arabian  Nights — The  palace  of  good  Haroun-al-Raschid. 

The  Moorish  Hall  is  a reconstruction  of  the  patio  in  the  House  of  Bensa- 
quin in  Tangiers.  The  ceiling  is  30  ft.  high,  and  is  an  elaborate  combination 
of  Saracenic  columns,  brackets,  pendants,  arches,  and  openings  of  wood 
construction.  Later  will  be  added  a Hall  walled  with  traceries  from  the 
Alhambra  on  arches  of  an  arcaded  gallery. 


West  End  of  Assyrian  Throne  Room  Vista  in  the  Palace  of  Sennacherib. 


Assyrian  Palaces. — ‘“All  the  knowledge  which  we  in  reality  possess 
regarding  the  ancient  palatial  architecture  of  the  Euphrates  Valley  is 
derived  from  the  exploration  of  the  palaces  erected  by  the  great  Assyrian 
dynasty  of  Nineveh  during  the  two  centuries  and  a half  of  its  greatest  pros- 
perity. Fortunately  it  is  a period  regarding  the  chronology  of  which  there 
is  no  doubt,  since  the  discovery  of  the  Assyrian  Canon  by  Sir  Henry  Rawlin- 
son,  extending  up  to  the  year  900  B.  C.  This,  combined  with  Ptolemy’s 
Canon,  fixes  the  date  of  every  king’s  reign  with  almost  absolute  certainty.  It 
is  also  a period  regarding  which  we  feel  more  real  interest  than  with  almost 
any  other  in  the  historv  of  Asia.  Almost  all  the  kings  of  that  dynasty 
carried  their  conquering  arms  into  Syria,  and  their  names  are  familiar  to 
us  as  household  words  from  the  record  of  their  wars  in  the  Bible.  It  is 
singularly  interesting  not  only  to  find  these  records  so  completely  confirmed, 
but  to  be  able  to  study  the  actual  works  of  these  very  kings,  and  to  analyze 
their  feelings  and  aspirations  from  the  pictures  of  their  actions  and  pursuits 
which  they  have  left  on  the  walls  of  their  palaces.”— Fergusson. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  “ Design  and  Prospectus  for  a National 
Gallery  of  History  and  Art,”  bv  F.  W.  Smith,  it  was  stated  as  follows  : 

1 I 


4o 


THE  ASSY  U I AN'  THKON'K  ROOM. 


“ If  time  and  ability  for  study  and  travel  are  allowed  to  the  writer, 
including,  if  possible,  travel  to  the  East,  there  will  be  published  a Design 
for  a Reconstruction  of  an  Assyrian  Throne  Room,  with  colored  illustration.” 
With  this  special  aim,  a journey  has  been  made  to  London,  Paris,  Athens, 
Constantinople,  and  Cairo  for  study  and  conference  with  archaeological 
authorities. 

The  writer  herein  makes  his  grateful  acknowledgment  for  the  cordial 
interest  and  advisory  aid  in  his  mission  of — 


Gallery  of  Assyrian  Throne  Room.  Casts  of  I.ayard  Slabs  in  British  Museum. 

Mr.  Ernest  A.  W.  T.  Budge  (Litt.  D.  Cantab.),  Principal  of  the  Assyrian 
and  Oriental  Departments  of  the  British  Museum. 

Sir  Philip  Cunlifie  Owen.*  General  Director  of  the  South  Kensington 
Museum,  London. 

They  wrote  as  follows  : 

“British  Museum,  12,  10,  ’91. 

“ Dear  Sir  : I have  read  with  much  pleasure  your  book  in  which  you 
set  forth  the  details  of  your  proposed  Gallery  at  Washington,  to  contain 
objects  illustrative  of  History  and  Art.  I note  with  special  interest  your 

* Since  deceased. 


CORRESPONDENCE BRITISH  AND  KENSINGTON  MUSEUMS. 


41 


idea  of  reproducing  buildings,  temples,  etc.,  etc.,  full  size;  this  is  perhaps 
the  only  way  of  bringing  all  the  various  scattered  details  of  such  tilings 
into  a focus,  and  I believe  that  such  a work,  carefully  can  ied  out,  would 
be  of  the  greatest  use  as  an  instrument  of  education. 

“The  increasing  scarcity  of  antiquities  from  Egypt  and  Assyria,  and 
the  enormous  prices  which  are  now  paid  for  such  things,  make  it  quite 
impossible  for  any  newly  formed  museum  to  compete  with  those  of  England, 
France,  and  Germany,  either  in  the  interest  or  variety  of  original  subjects. 
In  this  case  casts,  reproductions,  photographs,  electrotypes,  etc.,  are  the  only 
things  available,  at  a comparatively  moderate  cost,  to  give  students  to-day 
accurate  ideas  and  conceptions  of  the  great  buildings  and  works  of  art  of  the 
ancients. 


“ I am,  yours  truly, 


“ E.  A.  Wallis  Budge, 
“(Z./VL  D.  Cantab .) 


“Franklin  W.  Smith,  Esq’re,  etc.,  etc.” 


“2  The  Residences,  South  Kensington  Museum, 

“ London,  S.  W.,  ijt/i  October , jSqi . 

“Dear  Sir:  I have  examined  your  project  of  a national  Gallery  of 
History  and  Art  at  Washington  with  much  interest,  and  I most  fully  agree 
with  you  that  it  is,  above  all  things,  necessary  to  provide  adequate  space,  not 
only  for  the  present  requirements  of  such  an  institution,  but  also  for  its  future 
development. 

“ The  experience  of  all  European  museums  shows  that  when  well 
administered  they  grow  with  unexpected  rapidity,  and  almost  everywhere 
the  cry  is  for  more  space. 

“ This  is  of  course  the  more  necessary  as  your  project  includes  representa- 
tions of  domestic  apartments  such  as  the  two  original  rooms  from  Damascus, 
the  panelled  XVI.  century  room  from  Sizergh  Castle,  Westmoreland, 
the  French  XVIII.  century  boudoir,  and  the  old  London  house-front  in 
the  South  Kensington  Museum,  where  they  are  among  the  most  popular 
and  attractive  objects. 

“At  the  South  Kensington  Museum,  as  you  know,  we  have  several  large 
reproductions,  generally  in  plaster,  as  that  of  the  Trajan  Column,  the  Door- 
way of  the  Cathedral  of  San  Diego  da  Compostella  in  Spain,  the  Chimney 
Piece  at  Bruges,  the  Sanchi  Tope,  etc.  For  these  and  similar  casts  large 
and  lofty  courts  are  necessary.  At  the  Crystal  Palace  at  Sydenham  are  still 
larger  reproductions,  as  the  Alhambra,  the  Pompeian  House,  etc.,  and  if,  as 
I understand,  your  project  includes  these  also,  a very  liberal  provision  must 
be  made  for  their  due  exhibition. 

“ Herewith  I send  copies  of  labels  of  some  of  our  larger  casts.  Yo  i will 
see  that  while  some  of  these  were  made  expressly  for  the  South  Kensington 
Museum,  some  have  been  made  in  conjunction  with  other  institutions,  thus 
much  lessening  the  cost  to  each,  and  some  have  been  acquired  bv  exchange 
with  other  countries. 

“ Such  an  institution  as  you  propose  would  be  in  a position  to  enter  into 
arrangements  with  the  older  museums  for  a similar  system  of  exchange. 


4- 


THE  ASSYRIAN  THRONE  ROOM. 


‘‘Assuring  you  of  my  earnest  sympathy  with  the  important  enterprise  on 
which  you  are  engaged,  and  of  my  hearty  wishes  for  its  successful  accom- 
plishment, 

“ I am,  dear  sir,  yours  very'  faithfully, 

“ Philip  Cun li fee  Owen. 

“Franklin  W.  Smith,  Escj.” 

Also  to  Professor  George  O.  Perrot,  Ecole  Polytechnique,  Paris,  and 
his  eminent  architectural  associate  and  col/aboratcur,  M.  Charles  O.  Chipiez, 


East  End  of  Assyrian  Throne  Room.  Sennacherib  on  the  Throne  of  Xerxes. 

whose  joint  publications  are  the  latest  and  most  authoritative  on  Assyrian, 
Chaldean,  and  Egyptian  arclueology.  To 

Professors  T.  Buhlmann  and  Wagner,  of  Munich,  designer  and  artist  of 
“ Das  Alte  Rom,”  the  superb  representation  of  Rome  in  the  time  of  Con- 
stantine, in  Berlin  ; and  also  to  the  lion.  A.  Louden  Snowden,  Minister 
Plenipotentiary,  and  Irving  J.  Manatt,  Ph.  D.,  Consul  of  the  U.  S.  at  Athens. 

His  Excellency,  John  Gennadius,  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of  the  Kingdom 
of  Greece  to  the  Court  of  St.  James. 

Correspondence  with  these  gentlemen  permitted  to  publication  will  be 
interesting  material  in  the  Records  of  Progress  toward  National  Galleries. 
With  zealous  interest  in  his  purpose,  these  eminent  scholars  and  efficient 


THE  THRONE  OF  XERXES. 


43 


national  representatives  opened  exceptional  opportunities  for  examination 
and  photography  of  objects  in  museums,  and  for  access  to  historical  sites  and 
remains  that  were  closed  to  public  approach. 

Messrs.  Perrotand  Chipiez  were  the  constructors  of  the  exquisite  and  exact 
models  of  the  Parthenon,  Pantheon,  etc.,  recently  added  to  the  Metropolitan 
Museum,  N.  Y.,  by  purchases  under  the  Willard  bequest.  These  gentlemen 


The  Throne  of  Xerxes. 

generously  offered  their  services  toward  designs  for  Egyptian  reconstructions 
as  a contribution  to  an  American  National  Gallery. 

The  construction  of  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients  fulfills  far  more  than  the 
above-quoted  intention  “ to  publish  A Design  for  an  Assyrian  Throne 
Room.” 

Now  an  actual  simulation  of  its  interior  is  announced  ; revealed  by  the  joint 
conclusions  of  Layard  and  Fergusson,  with  heightened  effects  of  details  added 
by  Viollet-le-Duc — the  open  side  walls  or  clearstory  with  Giraffa  battle- 
ments. 

The  decorations  of  the  Throne  Room  follow  the  description  of  Lafever. 

“ The  interior  of  the  Assyrian  palace  was  magnificent  and  imposing.  The 

4 


44 


ASSYRIAN  THRONE  ROOM. 


stranger  was  ushered  in  through  the  portal  guarded  by  colossal  bulls  of  white 
alabaster.  He  found  himself  surrounded  by  the  sculptured  records  of  the 
empire. 

Battles,  sieges,  triumphs  were  portrayed  on  the  walls  sculptured  in  ala- 
baster and  painted  in  gorgeous  colors.  Above  the  sculptures  were  painted 
other  events  ; the  king,  attended  by  eunuchs  and  warriors,  receiving  prisoners 
or  performing  religious  ceremonies.  These  representations  were  enclosed 
in  borders  of  elegant  design.  The  emblematic  tree,  monstrous  animals, 
winged  bulls  were  the  subjects. 

“ The  ceilings  were  in  compartments,  painted  with  flowers  or  with  figures 
of  animals,  surrounded  by  elegant  borders  and  mouldings.  The  beams  may 
have  even  been  plastered  with  gold  or  silver.  Through  apertures,  just  below' 
the  roof,  was  seen  the  bright  blue  of  an  eastern  sky  in  frames  on  which 
were  painted  in  vivid  colors  the  winged  circle  in  the  midst  of  elegant  ideal 
ornaments.  The  edifices  were  national  monuments  on  which  might  be  read 
the  glories  and  triumphs  of  the  kingdom.” 


The  slabs  are  casts  imported  from  originals  in  the  British  Museum,  brought 
by  Layard  in  1S47. 

In  this  hall  will  be  models  of  a Royal  Tent,  a temple,  altars,  terra-cotta 
cylinders  (the  books  of  Assyrians) , potteries,  etc.,  and  a modern  painting 
of  the  Palace  (exterior),  as  restored  by  Layard. 

While  searching  for  material  in  the  Assyrian  Halls  of  the  Louvre,  the 
writer  noticed  in  the  catalogue  “ Trone  de  Xerxes — Palais  de  Persepolis.” 

Attendants  in  the  Exhibition  Halls  had  no  knowledge  of  it,  until  upon 
inquiry  it  was  reported  to  be  high  upon  the  wall  of  the  upper  landing  of 
the  grand  staircase.  It  w7as  a large  slab  of  one  side.  A photograph  w'as 
obtained  with  the  metre-scale.  Measurements  w'ere  13  ft.  10  in.  wdde  and 
10  ft.  6 in.  high. 

Signor  Giordani  has  modeled  it;  Signor  Paladini  cast  it  in  duplicate 
and  the  throne  is  re-established  in  Washington. 

It  is  marbleized,  as  history  records  that  Xerxes, 


“ the  king,  sat  on  a throne  of  white  marble  inspeciing  the  army  as  it  passed. 
It  consisted  of  forty-six  different  nations.  The  vast  army  was  seven  days  in 
crossing  upon  two  magnificent  bridges  of  boats,  built  across  the  Helles- 
pont.’ 

The  sides  of  the  throne  have  three  tiers  of  figures  in  bas-relief  of  captive 
nations  supporting  the  throne. 

Since  the  above-mentioned  photograph  was  obtained  the  great  work  of 
Montfaucon,  L' Anti quite  Expliquee , 10  vols.,  royal  folio,  Pal  is,  1722,  has 
been  purchased  in  Europe. 

In  vol.  3 (pait  2,  plate  183)  is  exhibited  near  the  Throne  a view  of  the 
Throne  in  the  desert,  before  removal  to  France;  the  lower  tier  of  captives 
being  partly  buried  in  earth  with  foliage  and  fallen  ruins. 


SENNACHERIB  ON  HIS  THRONE. 


45 


Upon  this  restoration  of  the  throne  of  Xerxes  is  placed  the  modeled 
figure  of  King  Sennacherib  — 

“ the  son  of  Saigon,  who  founded  the  house  of  the  Sargonidae,  who  were 
the  most  brilliant  of  all  the  Assyrian  kings  and  who  made  all  neighboring 
nations  feel  the  weight  of  their  conquering  arms.” 

“lie,  Sargon,  so  subdued  the  Egyptians  that  they  never  after  recovered 


Sennacherib  on  His  Throne  Before  Lachish. 

their  former  strength.  He  reduced  also  Syria,  Babylonia  and  a great  part 
of  Media. 

“ His  son,  the  proud,  haughty  Sennacherib,  captured  the  fenced  cities  of 
Judah,”  but  afterwards  “ lost  185,000  men  in  a single  night.  Sculptures 
represent  him  as  standing  in  his  chariot  directing  the  labor  of  his  war 
captives,  often  loaded  with  fetters.” 

“ Marathon,  Thermopylae,  Salamis  and  Platea  gave  the  death  blow  to 
Persian  rule  in  Europe.  Grecian  valor  saved  a continent  from  Eastern 


46 


ASSYRIAN  THRONE  ROOM. 


slavery.  It  gave  rise  to  Hellenic  civilization.  Marathon  and  Salamis  were 
the  birth-places  of  Grecian  glory.” — (Barnes’  General  History.) 

The  period  of  Sennacherib  was  705-6S0  B.  C.  That  of  Xerxes,  the  son  of 
Darius  at  Thermopylas,  4S0  B.  C. 

This  brief  record  in  association  of  Sennacherib  and  Xerxes  gives  great 
interest  to  the  representation  of  Sennacherib  upon  the  Throne  of  Xerxes,  if 
the  simulated  personality  is  warranted. 

Fortunately  the  authenticity  is  undeniable. 

Among  the  slabs  removed  from  Assyria  to  London  is  a series  portraying 
Sennacherib  on  his  throne,  in  review  of  the  captives  of  the  city  of  Lachish. 
From  them  in  Layard’s  Nineveh,*  p.  127,  is  a picture  of  the  king  on  his 
throne.  It  is  a restoration  plainly  correct  from  the  original  slab.f  Plates 
from  photographs  of  both  are  annexed. 

Of  the  former,  Layard  wrote  as  follows:  “The  throne  appears  to  have 
resembled  in  every  respect  one  discovered  in  the  palace  at  Nimroud.  The 
royal  feet  rested  upon  a high  footstool  of  elegant  form,  cased  with  embossed 
metal  ” The  monarch  was  attired  in  longloose  robes,  richly  ornamented  and 
edged  with  tassels  and  fringes.  In  his  right  hand  he  raised"  two  arrows  and 
in  his  left  rested  a bow.J 

The  attempt  to  restore  an  Assyrian  Throne  in  its  own  environment  of 
architecture  and  ornamentation,  probably  may  have  been  regarded  as  pre- 
sumptuous, especially  as  it  has  never  been  before  undertaken  ; but  the  design 
of  the  hall,  its  ornamentation,  and  scenic  illustration,  all  have  full  authority 
and  can  be  as  well  vindicated  as  the  details  of  the  king  and  the  throne. 

In  the  Roman  house  the  patterns  of  decorations  from  Pompeii,  Hercu- 
laneum, and  Rome  are  placed  against  copies  on  the  walls.  Likewise  in  the 
Assyrian  and  Egyptian  halls,  exemplars  from  the  pencil,  brush,  and  camera 
of  explorers  and  archaeologists  are  in  evidence  near  the  reproductions,  which 
are  on  the  exact  scale  of  their  originals.  The  colors  of  the  Assyrian  walls, 
on  the  casts  from  the  British  Museum  and  the  painted  figures  are  after  plates 
in  the  Atlas  of  Victor  Place  ( Nincve  et  Assyrie)  ; and  the  scenes  are  of 
the  size  on  the  alabaster  slabs  in  London  and  Paris.  They  are  accepted  by 
Perrot  and  Chipiez  in  their  standard  History  of  Art  in  Assyria  and  Chaldea 
and  by  them  are  imitated  precisely  in  their  colored  illustrations.  The  pre- 
dominance of  blue  ground  and  yellow  in  figures  is  fixed  by  glazed  tiles  in 
Assyrian  collections. 

From  the  front  of  the  throne  two  columns  33  feet  in  height  rise  to  the 
ceiling  having  horsehead  capitals  of  the  Great  Hall  of  Xerxes  at  Persepolis. 

* Harper’s  edition,  1837,  p.  127. 

t Discoveries  among  the  ruins  of  Nineveh,  Layard,  p.  127. 

JThis  slab  is  one  of  a series  of  thirteen,  fully  detailed  in  monuments  of  Nineveh,  2d 
series,  plates  20-24. 

The  colors  of  the  costume  follow  the  Trachten  of  Hottenroth. 


Plan  of 
Second  Floor 

Sc^e 


■ 


4s 


ASSYRIAN  THRONE  ROOM. 


They  are  remodeled  in  the  Louvre,  about  two  feet  in  height.  The  Great 
Hall  of  Xerxes,  according  to  Fergusson,  “was  the  most  splendid  building 
of  which  any  remains  exist”  in  the  East.  It  was  300  x 350  feet. 

Human-headed  bulls  flanked  the  entrance  as  at  Nimroud.  Thus  details 
are  revealed  of  the  architectural  environment  in  the  histories  of  Mordecai, 
Abraham,  and  Ruth. — (Fergusson.) 

Decorations  of  Assyrian  Throne  Room. 

Wall  at  left  of  the  Throne. 

1.  The  worship  of  the  sacred  tree.  Above  the  tree,  the  image  of  Baal. — 
From  Nimroud. 

2.  The  king  in  battle — divinity  above — bird  preying  on  the  dead. — From 
Nimroud. 

3.  Warriors  on  horseback  pursuing  the  enemy. — From  Nimroud. 

4.  The  league  or  treaty  of  peace. — From  Nimroud. 

Wall  at  rear  of  Throne. 

1.  Men  cutting  down  date  palms  in  the  country  of  a conquered  people  to 
render  it  desert. — From  Nimroud. 

2.  The  king’s  foresters  hunting.  From  a frieze  in  basalt. — From  Khor- 
sabad. 

Wall  at  the  right  of  'Throne. 

1.  The  god  of  day  and  brightness  struggling  with  the  demon  of  night  and 
darkness. — From  Nimroud. 

2.  Four  casts  from  alabaster  slabs  in  the  British  Museum.  The  king 
divining  before  the  gods  of  Assyria. — From  Nimroud. 

3.  A beardless  winged  divinity  found  in  the  hall  of  the  oracle  at  Nimroud. 
Winged  Bulls  at  Entrance. 

The  bulls  of  heaven  placed  at  the  portal  as  defenders  of  the  king  are  from 
Khorsabad. 

Gallery  over  7 hronc. 

1.  A band  of  enameled  brickwork.  Various  scenes.  In  the  center,  the 
king  offers  a libation  for  his  successful  hunt. 

2.  Cast  of  black  basalt  column  of  Shalmaneser  II. 

3.  Cast  of  Moabite  stone. 

Gallery  over  Portal. 

1.  Band  of  enameled  brickwork.  To  left,  a caged  lion  being  turned  loose 
in  hunting  ground.  To  right,  King  Assur-bani-pal  feasting  in  the  garden 
with  his  favorite  wife. — From  Nineveh. 

2.  Three  casts  of  lion  hunt  from  slabs  in  British  Museum. 

3.  Cylindrical  seals  and  tablets  representing  impressions  made  by  various 
seals. 

4.  Many  illustrated  plates  from  Place,  exemplars  for  ornaments  and 
painted  scenes. — Views  in  Assyria. — Removal  of  slabs. — Transportation  on 
the  Tigris,  ancient  and  modern. — Facsimiles  of  tablets,  cones,  cylinders, 
etc.,  etc. 

5.  Writings  on  baked  clay. — Tablets  and  bricks. 


ASSYRIAN  SEALS  AND  CYLINDERS. 


49 


Assyrian  Cylinder-seals,  Tablets,  and  Bricks. 

From  Mr.  Ready,  numismatist  of  the  British  Museum,  have  been  received 
casts  of  the  most  interesting  specimens  in  its  possession.  They  include  the 
Deluge  tablet,  a boundary  stone,  a circular  brick — inscribed,  and  the 
cylinder-seals  of  Nebuchadnezzar,  Sennacherib,  and  Darius.  These  cylin- 
ders are  marvelous  relics  of  the  skill  of  the  ancients.  They  are  arranged  in 
the  West  gallery.  The  chronology  of  the  cylinders  is  as  follows:  Early 
Babylonian  3500-2000  B.  C.,  Later  Babylonian  1S00-600  B.  C.,  Later 
Assyrian  800-600  B.  C.,  Persian  600-400  B.  C. 

There  is  a cast  of  a case-tablet — an  inner  tablet  inscribed  which  was  closed 
in  an  outer  case  also  inscribed. 

The  Deluge  tablet  is  named  from  its  Chaldean  mention  of  the  flood. 

Mr.  King,  the  gem  critic  of  the  museum,  says  that — 

“The  actual  invention  of  the  true  art  of  gem-engraving  (the  incising  a 
gem  by  means  of  a drill  charged  with  the  powder  of  a harder  material)  is 
undoubtedly  due  to  the  seal-cutters  of  Nineveh,  and  that  at  a date  shortly 
preceding  the  times  of  Sargon — that  is,  as  early  as  the  year  B.  C.  729.  This 
is  the  era  at  which  cylinders  begin  to  make  their  appearance  in  the  so-called 
hard  stones,  covered  with  engravings  executed  in  precisely  the  same  style 
with  the  archaic  Greek  intagli,  and  marked  by  the  same  minuteness  of  detail 
and  elaborateness  of  finish.” 

“ These  qualities  are  especially  noticeable 
in  the  state  seal  of  King  Sennacherib.  He 
and  his  queen  are  represented  as  standing  by 
a sacred  tree,  under  the  protection  of  the 
supreme  deity ; a wild  goat  near  them  is 
standing  on  a lotus  flower,  which  in  its  turn 
is  upheld  by  a large  lotus.”  The  cylinder 
was  found  close  to  the  principal  entrance  of 
Sennacherib’s  palace.  Perrot  and  Chipiez  gave  satisfactory  proof  of  the 
identity  of  the  seal  as  of  Sennacherib.  The  figure  of  the  king  thereon  is 
identical  with  one  found  of  the  monarch  in  a bronze  bas-relief  and  they  add, 
“ it  was  perhaps  the  actual  signet  of  the  king”  (V.  I.,  pp.  195-196).  Such 
evidence  of  reliability  in  conclusions  of  scholarship  is  a gratification. 

Reference  Books  and  Plates  in  Case  in  Assyrian  Throne  Room. 

Victor  Place — Atlas  of  “ Nineve  et  Assyria.” 

Benomi — Nineveh  and  its  Palaces. 

Perrot-Chipiez — History  of  Chaldean  and  Assyrian  Art.  2 vols. 

Botta — Memoire  L’Ecriture  Cuneiform. 

World  Atlas. 

Murray  — Italy. 

Baedeker — Central  Italy. 


ffiomcin 


Jfristorical  Sct/lory. 

The  Roman  Historical  Gallery  is  devoted  to  illustrations  of  Roman 
History.  The  walls  are  surrounded  by  102  plates  of  Pmelli’s  Istoria 
Romana,  engravings  in  historical  order  from  the  foundation  of  Rome. 
Three  of  the  series  have  been  painted  on  canvases  10  ft.  x 7 ft.,  viz., 
Cornelia  and  the  Gracchi,  Marius  amid  the  ruins  of  Carthage,  and  Hamilcar 
swearing  Hannibal  to  eternal  hatred  of  the  Romans. 


| 

L !*  ^*^1 

» — 

ni 

1 

ins 

They  forecast  the  grand  impression  of  the  entire  series,  thus  enlarged  and 
ranging  Roman  galleries  500  ft.  in  length. 

The  three  specimens  were  painted  by  Pascal  and  Zurcher  at  a cost  of 
$150.00  each.  One  hundred  (100)  would  cost  but  $15,000.  The  style  is 
the  modern  panoramic — effective  and  realistic — that  has  been  perfected  the 
last  twenty-five  years  in  Germany  and  France.  \ ernet  was  scouted  as  a 
panoramic  painter,  but  he  perpetuated  the  triumphs  of  France  in  \ ersailles. 
The  history  of  Bavaria  is  painted  in  the  same  manner  around  the  walls  of  the 
Museum  in  Munich.  It  is  the  only  example  of  a chronological  series  6f 
paintings  showing  the  literal  history  of  a nation,  for  instruction,  in  Europe. 


THE  ROMAN  HALL. 


5* 


Let  the  observer  in  this  hall  conceive  the  value  to  the  American  people  of 
such  galleries,  portraying  the  history  of  Egypt,  Assyria,  Greece,  and  Rome  ; 
four  hundred  (400)  paintings  ranging  over  4.000  ft.  of  canvas  through  four 
Galleries,  each  in  its  national  architecture,  at  a cost  of  $60,000  (less  than 
the  cost  of  a small  Meissonier),  and  consider  the  expediency  of  such  use 
of  art;  nof  in  dilettanteism,  but  for  the  increase  and  diffusion  of  knowl- 
edge. 

He  will  be  prepared  to  appreciate  the  architectural  scheme  proposed. — 
to  house  these  and  other  object  lessons  of  history,  in  surrounding  courts 
filled  with  reconstructions  of  their  temples,  dwellings,  and  monuments,  as 
shown  in  the  adjacent  Hall  of  the  Model. 

The  Roman  Hall  contains  the  full  series  of  engravings  made  by  order  of 
Popes  Clement  XIII  and  XIV  of  Raphael’s  decoration  of  the  Loggia  of  the 


Temple  of  Denderah. 


Vatican  ; the  motifs  of  which  he  drew  largely  from  decorations  left  in  the 
Baths  of  Titus;  reconstructions  of  the  Baths  of  Diocletian  and  Caracalla  ; 
plates  of  Piranesi’s  Vases  of  the  Vatican  ; and  Magnificentia  Romanorum, 
showing  the  splendid  elaboration  in  stone  of  Roman  ornament ; restorations 
of  the  forum  ; Vasi’s  plan  of  Rome,  in  1765,  9 ft.  x 3 ft.  with  390  numbered 
constructions  ; a large  colored  plate  of  the  Destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  Titus, 
original  by  David  Roberts,  R.  A.,  owned  bv  the  Earl  of  Elsmere.  Rossini’s 
views  in  Rome  1S20-1S30,  copper  plates;  the  celebrated  Marriage  of  the 
Aldobrandini  and  others  from  Mercante’s  Remains  of  Art  in  the  Baths  of 
Titus.  These  are  the  most  perfect  specimens  of  ancient  painting  which 
have  been  preserved  in  Rome. 

V.  Murray’s  hand  book  of  Rome  for  many  interesting  details  of  their 
•discovery,  concealment,  use  by  Raphael  and  his  pupils,  their  condi- 
tion, &c. 


Ji  Cosmorama 

exhibits  grand  Egyptian  scenery  and  constructions  of  Karnak,  the  Pyramids, 
etc.,  also  of  Pompeii. 


i-SSll 


Sketch  Like  Above  for  Illustration  of  Moorish  Court,  with  Reproductions;  Court  of  the  Lion: 
Alhambra,  Mosque  of  Cordova,  Mosque  at  Cairo,  Etc.,  Etc.,  Etc. 

Above  the  Cosmorama  are  three  fine  paintings  by  Bieberstein,  of  designs 
for  the  Egyptian  court  of  the  National  Galleries. 

i — Egyptian  Pylon  : The  Portal  of  the  Egyptian  Court. 


Egyptian  Pylon,  with  Obelisks  and 
Sphinxes. 


Colonnade  of  Columns:  the  Lotus, 
Hathor,  and  Other  Capitals 


The  Royal  Pavilion  of  Medinet- 
Abou,  Thebes. 


Perspective  of  the  Galleries. 
Corridors  for  Casts. 


2 —  Colonnade  of  Lotus  and  Ilathor  Columns  of  the  Egyptian  Court. 

3—  1 he  Pavilion  of  Medinet  Abou,  Thebes ; as  restored  by  Chipiez. 

s* 


Egyptian  jffatt  of  J^rts  and  Crafts 


Restoration  of  an  Egyptian  Court  by  Racinet. 


“ The  most  enormous  monuments  known  to  architecture  ornament  the 
chief  cities  with  all  arts — sculpture,  painting,  the  use  of  precious  metals,  and 

the  richest  enamels. 

“ Egypt  wrought  mines,  fabricated  stuffs  of  linen,  wool  and  cotton;  and 
received  the  rich  tissues  of  India.  These  are  the  true  signs  of  an  advanced 
civilization  ; of  established  law  ; of  a nation  thoroughly  organized  and  wisely 
controlled.” — (Champollion.) 

The  Hall  of  Arts  and  Crafts  is  walled  with  paintings  and  engravings  of 
the  mechanical  arts,  agriculture,  domestic  life,  sports,  punishments,  imple- 
ments, potteries,  musical  instruments,  boats,  weapons  ; of  the  transporta- 
tion of  obelisks,  manipulation  of  statues;  of  brick-making  by  the  Israelites 

in  Egypt,  &c.,  & c. 

There  will  be  models  (later)  of  the  houses  of  the  wealthy  and  the  humble 
classes  ; the  former  with  gardens  and  store-houses. 

53 


54 


HALL  OF  ARTS  AND  CRAFTS. 


THE  ANCIENTS  AS  GLASS  WORKERS. 

“ The  glass-blowers  of  ancient  Thebes  are  known  to  have  been  as  proficient 
in  that  particular  art  as  is  the  most  scientific  craftsman  of  the  same  trade  of 
the  present  day,  after  a lapse  of  forty  centuries  of  so-called  ‘ progress.’  They 
were  well  acquainted  with  the  art  of  staining  glass  and  are  known  to  have 
produced  that  commodity  in  great  profusion  and  perfection.  Rosselini 
gives  an  illustration  of  a piece  of  stained  glass  known  to  be  4,000  years  old, 
both  in  tint  and  design. 

“The  priests  of  Ptah  at  Memphis  were  adepts  in  the  glassmaker’s  art. 
Their  imitations  of  the  amethyst  and  of  the  various  other  colored  gems  were 
so  true  to  nature  that  even  now,  after  they  have  lain  in  the  desert  sands  from 
2,000  to  4,000  years,  it  takes  an  expert  to  distinguish  the  genuine  article 
from  the  spurious.  It  has  been  shown  that,  besides  being  experts  in  glass- 
making and  glass  coloring,  they  used  the  diamond  in  cutting  and  engraving 


Vineyards  and  Wine-Making. 


glass.  In  the  British  Museum  there  is  a beautiful  piece  of  stained  glass, 
with  an  engraved  emblazonment  of  the  monarch  Thothmes  III,  who  lived 
3,400  years  ago.” — (< Jewellers'  Circular .) 

The  Egyptians  regarded  man  as  composed  of  three  entities : First,  the 
body  ; second,  the  Ka,  or  double,  an  ethereal  projection  of  the  person — pre- 
cisely in  form  and  features;  third,  the  Soul,  Bi,  popularly  represented  as 
a bird. 

The  burial  vault  was  the  Eternal  House  of  the  dead,  sealed  on  the  day  ot 
burial,  to  be  forever  the  secret  home  of  the  Soul.  The  Serdab  was  the  dwell- 
ing of  the  Ka.  A chapel  connected  with  it  wras  for  reception  of  friends 
bringing  offerings  of  votive  meats  and  drinks.  Finally,  that  these  offerings 
might  preserve  forever  their  virtues,  survivors  conceived  the  idea  of  drawing 


HALL  OF  ARTS  AND  CRAFTS.  55 

them  on  the  walls.  Pictures,  persons,  or  things  became  the  reality — the 
real  presence  of  those  persons  and  things. 

“ The  tombs  of  Beni-Hassan  are  the  most  interesting  of  all  Egypt,  because 
they  are  not  consecrated  to  kings  and  court  officials. 

The  pictures  introduce  us  to  the  very  life  of  the  people  ; its  family  circles, 
its  sports  and  games,  such  as  pitch  and  toss,  tennis,  hot  cockles,  and  even 
cricket.  The  painted  bas-reliefs  of  tbe  tombs  reveal  to  us  the  Egyptians  of 
olden  time,  such  as  they  were  in  wars,  on  their  farms,  in  the  work-shop,  in 
their  hours  of  relaxation  and  repose.  Here  are  revealed  all  the  secrets  of 
their  crafts  and  the  very  tricks  of  their  jugglers  and  mountebanks.”— (Re- 
ci.us,  “ The  Earth  and  iis  Inhabitants.”) 

“ The  double  saw  himself  depicted  on  the  walls  eating  and  drinking, 
and  he  ate  and  drank.  Theologians  and  artists  carried  the  notion  to  the  • 
fullest  extent.  They  added  to  the  offerings  the  whole  history  of  the  animal  — 


Music  and  Sport. 


the  fields,  the  slaughter — and  to  bread,  clothing,  ornaments,  and  furniture 
they  added  the  processes  of  tillage,  harvest,  the  crafts,  spinners,  weavers, 
goldsmiths,  and  cabinet-makers.” — (Maspero.) 

“ In  time  pictures  were  supplanted  by  models  or  real  utensils— funeral 
boats,  imitation  bread  offerings  of  baked  clay,  moulds  for  the  dead  to  make 
models  of  fish,  flesh  and  fowl.  Arms,  too,  and  other  implements  were 
there,  that  their  souls  might  still  serve  their  master  in  the  shadowy  world.” — 
(Ely,  “ Manual  of  Archaeology.”) 

Thus  the  more  complete  the  imagery  the  greater  the  outfit  of  the  Ka  tor 
its  future.  Hence  the  vast  multiplicity  of  tableaux  within  the  tomb-chapels 

of  Egypt. 

With  this  knowledge  of  their  religious  and  sentimental  origin,  akin  to  that 
of  Gods  and  kings  on  their  temple  walls,  the  apparent  childishness  disap- 


56 


EGYPTIAN  SPORT  AND  CARICATURE. 


pears.  We  read  from  them  a faith  that  they  were  to  remain  continuously 
real,  with  magic  power  for  the  welfare  of  souls  of  the  departed,  and  they 
are  lifted  to  a high  plane  of  significance. 

Another  reflection  arises  of  the  controlling  power  of  those  religious  con- 
ceptions, absurd  to  modern  reason.  That  religion  entered  as  a governing 
element  of  the  people,  through  cycles  far  beyond  those  of  the  doctrines  of 
Confucius.  No  state  in  modern  civilization  has  shown  such  stability  and 
unchangeableness. 

These  considerations  will  make  instructive  and  interesting  the  decoration 
of  the  walls  of  the  Halls  of  Arts  and  Crafts,  with  tomb-paintings  of  Egypt, 


for  from  them  have  been  revealed  their  practical  arts  in  life  and  their  theories 
of  another  life. 

They  will  make  especially  attractive  the  single  exhibit  of  a mummy 
and  the  arrangement  of  a tomb-chapel. 

All  existing  Egyptian  museums  are  haunted  by  spectres  of  death  in 
repulsive  mummied  remains,  giving  a conception  of  the  life  of  that  race  as 
dismal  and  funereal.  It  is  the  aim  of  these  illustrations  to  reveal  their  life, 
activities,  and  pleasures,  not  the  cerements  of  their  dissolution. 

Champollion-Fijeac  copies  several  comic  scenes,  from  walls  in  1 hebes 
an  ass,  lion,  crocodile,  and  ape  giving  a concert.  The  most  remarkable, 
republished  by  several  authors,  is  a burlesque  of  Rameses  II  in  war.  A 
Pharaoh  of  rats  in  a chariot  drawn  by  dogs  gallops  to  the  assault  of  a foi  tress 
garrisoned  by  cats. 

“ The  Egyptians,  naturally  laughter-loving  and  satirical,  were  caricatui  ists 
from  an  early  period.  One  of  the  lurin  papyri  chronicles  the  courtship 


AN  EGYPTIAN  FEAST. 


57 


of  a shaven  priest  and  a songstress  of  Amen  in  spirited  vignettes.  Cats 
were  the  famous  favorites  in  caricature.  An  ostrakon  depicts  a cat  of 
rank  en  grande  toilette , seated  in  an  easy  chair,  and  a miserable  Tom, 
with  piteous  mien,  and  tail  between  his  legs,  serving  her  with  refreshments.” 
— (“Manual  of  Archaeology.”) 


In  this  Hall  is  placed  a copy  of  Long’s  Egyptian  Feast,  10  ft.  x 7 ft.  The 
scene  is  of  revelry,  when  a mummy  is  drawn  into  the  company  by  priests  to 
remind  them  of  their  mortality.  Probably  the  custom  was  imitated  in  the 
presentation  of  a skeleton  at  Roman  feasts. 

To  enhance  this  illustration  one  mummy  only  has  been  purchased  for 
the  Company  by  Mr.  S.  W.  Woodward  in  1S97,  at  the  Ghizeh  Museum. 
It  was  the  most  costly  on  sale  because  of  the  excellent  condition  of  the  case. 

The  Egyptian  Museum  in  Berlin  has  a Ilall  of  Tombs.  The  upper  large 
Egyptian  Hall  in  London  is  walled  with  mummies,  and  the  floor  is  nearly 
covered  with  them — a veritable  necropolis.  Lepsius  transported  a tomb  of 
stone  entire.  For  like  instruction  two  rooms  of  about  the  same  dimensions 
have  been  arranged.  One  holds  the  mummy  in  a chest  of  Egyptian  form  ; 
the  other  represents  the  visiting  chapel,  and  is  filled  with  rich  copies  of 
tomb  paintings.  Later  will  be  added  tables  with  modeled  offerings.  Or. 
the  breast  of  the  mummy  is  a photograph  of  one  of  the  portraits  found  on 
mummy  cases  after  the  time  of  the  Roman.Conquest,  B.  C.  30.  The  mummy 
is  ascribed  to  1700-1500  B.  C. 

The  board  of  the  mummy  case  on  which  it  rested  through  twenty  centuries 
is  on  exhibition.  It  was  pinned  with  wooden  pegs,  and  shows  clearly 
remains  of  its  original  elaborate  decoration  ; vividly  revealing  the  religious 
belief  above  mentioned  of  the  perpetual  spiritual  pow'er  of  its  representations. 


I 


AN  EGYPTIAN'  COURT. 


59 


A fac-simile  of  the  Book  of  the  Dead — the  Papyrus  of  Ani — from  the 
British  Museum,  the  most  elaborate  and  best  preserved  in  the  world,  is  a dado 
72  ft.  in  length  in  the  Hall  of  Arts  and  Crafts. 

A second  belt  is  continuous  with  the  richest  plates  in  color  that  have  been 
made  from  the  elephantine  folios  of  the  Description  of  Egypt,  published  at 
the  order  of  Emperor  Napoleon  by  the  savants  who  accompanied  him  on  the 
Expedition  to  Egypt;  and  the  great  works  of  Belzoni,  Lepsius,  and  Cham- 
pollion. 


Court  in  Racinet’s  Restoration  of  an  Egyptian  House. 

A very  beautiful  exhibit  is  made  of  many  examples  of  Decorative  Art, 
from  twenty  nationalities  or  periods  from  savage  to  modern  civilized  life. 

A section  of  the  Hall  is  filled  with  the  construction  of  an  Egyptian  Court 
of  high  antiquity,  within  galleries  designed  by  M.  Paul  Renard,  architect. 
It  is  from  the  series  of  illustrations  edited  by  Prisse  d’Avessenes. 

“ No  vestige  remains  of  a private  house  of  ancient  Egypt;  but  guided  by 
ancient  texts  and  resting  upon  the  immutability  of  the  Egyptian  people,  we 
have  not  hesitated  to  approach  this  most  interesting  subject.  Their  relig- 
ious philosophy  attributed  to  private  dwellings  only  an  ephemeral  char- 
acter.’'— (Renard.) 

The  walls  of  the  Court  are  very  richly  decorated  with  conventional  forms 
of  lotus  and  other  flowers  grouped  as  in  a garden.  At  the  rear  of  the  Court 


6c 


HALL  OF  ARTS  AND  CRAFTS. 


a vista  across  the  Nile  displays  upon  the  island  of  Phil*  in  a “ boquet  of 
palm  trees”  the  picturesque  ruin  known  variously  “as  the  bed  of  Pharaoh,” 
the  “ summer  house  of  Tiberius,”  etc. 

There  is  a cast  of  the  Rosetta  stone,  the  key  that  unlocked  the  secret  of 
Egyptian  hieroglyphics.  It  bears  three  inscriptions,  Greek,  and  two  in 
Egyptian  characters,  the  hieroglyphic  and  enchorial.  Thereby  Young  and 
Champollion  deciphered  the  signs,  sealed  through  ages: 

“ Chederlaomer,  Arioch,  Pharaoh,  Sennacherib  or  Nebuchadnezzar  ! Forty 
years  ago  these  were  but  unreal  shadows,  ‘ airy  nothings.’  To-day  they 
have  ‘a  local  habitation  and  a name’:  t hey  fit  each  into  his  own  niche  in  the 
galleries  of  history.  The  mortal  bodies  of  some  of  the  most  famous  of  the 
ancient  heroes  are  with  us;  the  mighty  Raineses  sleeps  his  long  sleep  under 
our  very  eves,  wearing  still  the  majestic  calm,  the  lofty  grandeur  of  the 
renowned  Sesostris.” — (J.  H.  S.  Moxly,  in  the  National  Review.) 

On  the  staircase  is  a copy  of  Richter’s  Building  of  the  Pyramids,  20  ft. 
x 7 ft.  The  original  of  this  superb  work  is  in  the  Maximilian  Museum  in 
Munich.  The  stately  figure  of  the  queen  alighted  from  the  palanquin  and 
the  noble  peasant  form  under  the  palm  were  from  a model  in  L’Ecole  des 
Beaux  Arts,  Paris. 

For  the  use  of  students  hooks  of  reference — Wilkinson,  Perrot  and  Chipiez, 
Champollion-Fijeac,  Maspero,  Lenormant,  Budge,  Erman,  Salvardy,  Trevor, 
Lepsius’  illustrated  description  of  the  Egyptian  Museum  at  Berlin,  Billion’s 
Mizraim,  etc.,  are  available,  under  charge  of  the  assistants. 


VPM  F.  WAGNER,  DAL. 


FRANKLIN  W.  SMITH,  ARCHT 


Plan  of  Third  Floor. 


<,  Scale. 


Gho  jffcitt  of  t/ic  77focict, 

52  feet  by  40  feet,  named  from  the  models  and  drawings  which  fill  it  upon 
bV  scale  of  the  proposed  National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art,  (lie 
promotion  of  which  for  our  country  is  the  sole  purpose  of  the  con- 
struction of  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients  ; to  demonstrate  the  realism  with 
which  all  art,  architecture,  mythology,  etc.,  of  passed  nationalities  may  lie 
revived  for  the  instruction  and  entertainment  of  our  nation.  At  the  front  is 
a very  beautiful  model  of  the  temple  of  Denderah,  eight  feet  in  length,  on 
one  side  of  the  Egyptian  court.  At  the  right  is  represented  the  facade  of 
the  proposed  Assyrian  court.  Beyond  these  successively  arise  those  of  the 


Greek  and  Roman  ; Byzantine  and  Moorish  ; the  East  Indian  and  Mediaeval 
courts.  The  Courts  are  ranged  with  Galleries  for  historical  paintings,  in 
chronological  order,  of  the  history  of  Egypt,  Assyria,  Rome,  etc.  ; with  corri- 
dors for  suitable  plastic  illustrations. 

Terraced  upward  to  the  proposed  Acropolis  is  a model  of  the  Parthenon 
for  a Memorial  Temple  of  Presidents  of  the  United  States,  and  on  either 
side  others  of  the  Thesion  at  Athens  ; one  each  for  the  Army  and  Navy  of  the 
United  States,  or  perhaps  for  the  memorial  temple  of  the  Sons  of  the  Revolu- 
tion, the  other  for  the  Daughters  of  the  Revolution.  Beyond  these  are  seen 
drawings  for  Galleries  of  illustrations  of  American  history.  The  site  pro- 
posed of  the  old  Naval  Observatory  was  designated  by  Washington  for  an 

62 


TJIK  AMERICAN  ACROPOLIS.  63 

educational  institution  over  his  own  signature,  as  shown  in  facsimile  in 
the  Prospectus  of  the  Halls. 

Adjacent  is  placed  the  drawing  of  the  design  above  mentioned,  by  Frank- 
lin \Y.  Smith  and  James  Renwick,  and  in  still  more  elaborate  detail  the 
splendid  perspective  of  the  Galleries  -a  gift  of  Mr.  Henry  Ives  Cobb,  Archi- 
tect, herewith  reproduced  and  described.  Before  the  Egyptian  Court  is 


The  American  Acropolis— Memorial  Temples  and  Galleries  of  American  History, 
Surmounting  National  Gallerifs  of  History  and  Art. 

a painting  of  the  Roman  Court.  It  contains  a Roman  house,  a Temple, 
a Column  of  Trajan,  Columbarium,  a Tomb,  etc.,  etc. 


The  Roman  Court  of  the  National  Gallery.  A Free-Hand  Sketch,  not  in  Accurate 
Scale  or  Perspective,  Simply  to  Illustrate  Reproductions  Therein. 

Another  painting  of  the  Saracenic  Court  exhibits  a portion  of  the  Alham- 
bra ; of  the  Mosque  of  Cordova,  the  Puerto  del  Sol  of  Toledo,  etc. 

The  base  for  the  models  is  copied  from  that  in  the  Louvre  supporting  one 
onlv  of  a Hall  in  Persepolis.  The  group  above  designated  covers  a range  of 
architectural  styles  never  before  modeled  in  juxtaposition. 


6+ 


CENTENNIAL  AVENUE. 


, 
1 

I 


Forum  of  Pompeii  Restored.  A Colonnade  on  the  Potomac. 


Tlie  mode!  of  National  Galleries  and  the  drawing  (p.  67)  exhibit  American  Galleries  at 
the  rear  of  the  Temples  on  Observatory  Ilill.  The  design  for  these  in  the  Hall  of  the  Model 
displays  a portico  Soo  ft.  in  length,  overlooking  the  Potomac.  The  above  view  of  the 
Pompeiian  Forum  reveals  its  beauty  and  luxury. 


A 


A 


r: « 1 j 17714: 


Section  from  Plan  of  Washington,  Showing  the  Proposed  New  Centennial  Avenue,  Direct  from 
the  Capitol  to  the  Parthenon  and  Galleries  on  Observatory  Hill.  (See  p.  67.) 


NATIONAL  GALLERIES  OF  HISTORY  AND  ART. 

Evidence  of  Unanimous  Commendation  of  the  Enterprise  by  the  Press. 

Bv  255  articles  in  journals  and  newspapers  of  51  places  in  25  States,  from 
Maine  to  Louisiana,  California  and  Oregon,  it  lias  been  emphatically  endorsed. 

Elaborate  descriptions  of  the  Design  have  been  published  in  papers  of 
largest  circulation  in  Boston,  New  York,  Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  Wash- 
ing, Charleston,  New  Orleans,  and  San  Francisco.  Brief  extracts  are 
appended. 

...  It  is  unnecessary  to  repeat  the  many  benefits  which  such  an  Institute  would 
dispense,  for  they  are  self-evident.  . . . — Washington  Post. 

...  If  it  could  be  built  in  Washington  it  would  be  a most  glorious  crown  to  the 
citv;  far  surpassing  anything  devised  for  either  ornament  or  usefulness  of  a capital. 

. . . — N.  Y.  Tribune. 

...  The  educational  value  of  an  institution  of  this  kind  is  unquestionable.  The 
architecture,  archwology,  and  the  home-life  of  the  nations  of  antiquity  will  be  brought 
forward  in  a wonderfully  realistic  manner.  . . . The  field  is  open  to  America  to 
eliminate  by  reproduction  from  all  the  gathered  material  of  the  past  and  the  present, 
and  in  its  advocacy  the  enlightened  press  of  this  country  “ has  a cause  worthy  its  moral 
power  and  in  its  aid  wealth  for  its  noblest  use.  . . . — Scientific  American. 

. . . When  all  is  done  the  world  will  have  another  wonder;  the  greatest  school  in 
the  world.  It  is  not  to  be  a gallery  for  the  rich  dilettante  or  even  for  the  sight-seeing 
tourist  alone ; but  above  all  else  for  the  education  of  the  people;  for  all  those  who 
work  with  their  hands  either  through  brush  or  pen,  in  art,  architecture,  or  industrial 
processes  of  any  kind.  . . . 

Mr.  Smith's  practical  wisdom,  as  well  as  his  sensible  economy,  is  well  shown  by  his 
selection  of  the  material  for  the  structure  he  proposes  Instead  of  costly  marble  or' 
granite,  he  proposes  to  use  Roman  concrete,  such  as  stood  in  Roman  buildings  the  strain 
of  twenty  centuries,  and  which  is  one-fourth  as  expensive  as  the  other  materials. 

. . . Architecture  and  Building , JV.  Y. 

Mr.  Smith’s  Design  and  Prospectus  is  admirable.  From  an  arcmtectural  point 
of  view  it  must  be  acknowledged  to  be  such  a dream  as  genius  might  entertain  and 
revel  in.  The  American  people  are  the  richest  on  earth,  and  they  will  insist  that 
a great  national  temple  of  art  shall  in  its  proportions  and  scope  be  worthy  of  the  land, 
whose  achievements  in  the  finer  triumphs  of  civilization  deserves  the  noblest  tributes. 

. . . Columbus , Ohio , Dispatch . 

. . . We  sincerely  wish  that  Mr.  Smith  may  see  his  desire  fulfilled,  and  that  a 
National  Museum  after  his  plan  may  be  speedily  commenced.  . . . — American  Archi. 

tcct , Boston 

. . . The  plan  is  certainty  feasible.  The  estimated  cost  is  not  great.  . . . — 
Chicago  Tribune. 

...  A writer  in  the  University  Magazine  writes  thus  glowingly  of  the  project: 

“ . . . Such  a place  is  not  a Gallery  or  Museum  ; it  is  a college — a university  if  you 
w ill — for  the  ‘ noblest  study  of  mankind  ’ ; it  is  a temple  to  all  culture.” 

Those  who  have  seen  the  Pompeian  House  at  Saratoga  have  some  idea  of  what  can 
be  done  in  such  reproductions. — Nevu  Haven  Register. 

65 


66 


EXTRACTS  FROM  PRESS  NOTICES. 


. . . The  idea  is  a grand  one,  and  not  beyond  possibility  when  individual.,  are  giv- 
ing millions  to  educational  institutions.  . . . — Oregonian,  Portland,  Oregon. 

In  the  parlors  of  the  Palace  Hotel,  on  Saturday  evening,  Mr.  Smith  addressed  a 
number  of  artists,  architects,  and  others  who  had  been  invited  by  President  Geo.  H. 
Sanders  of  the  local  Chapter  of  Architects  to  meet  him.  . . . He  pointed  out  that 
every  other  civilized  nation  has  its  National  Gallery,  and  that  this  nation  should  lose 
no  time  in  founding  an  American  Acropolis.  . . . — San  Francisco  Bulletin. 

This  reception  followed  a Lecture  in  the  Hall  of  the  Academy  of  Sciences,  by  joint 
invitation  of  the  Technical  Society  of  Engineers,  the  Chapter  of  Architects,  and  the 
Mechanics  Institute,  which  was  reported  as  follows  : 

There  was  a crowd  of  people  interested  in  art,  architecture,  and  related  topics,  at 
the  Academy  of  Sciences  last  night,  the  event  drawing  them  thither  being  a lecture  by 
Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith. 

People  of  the  East  during  the  past  three  or  four  years  have  become  more  familiar 
with  Mr.  Smith’s  project  than  are  Californians. 

Briefly  it  is  to  construct,  on  a suitable  site,  in  Washington  an  American  Acropolis 
with  a “ parthenonic  temple”  with  courts  and  galleries  adjoining,  the  whole  to  possess 
distinct  educational  advantages  in  special  lines.  . . . He  spoke  with  an  enthusiasm 
that  became  contagious  and  the  audience  applauded  very  energetically  every  time  he 
foretold  with  earnest  confidence  of  the  great  things  for  art  that  Americans  must  accom- 
plish. A stereopticon,  skilfully  worked,  portrayed  the  lecturer’s  ideas.  . . . — Daily 
Bulletin , San  Francisco,  April  i j , 1893. 

. . . Imposing  and  beautiful  in  architecture,  rich  in  educational  significance,  and 
noble  as  a national  memorial,  the  influence  for  good  of  this  National  Gallery  upon  the 
people  can  hardly  be  overestimated. 

Abundant  and  enthusiastic  approval  of  Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith’s  project  has  already 
been  accorded,  and  this  journal  adds  its  cordial  endorsement  of  it  as  a thoroughly 
patriotic,  noble,  and  practicable  scheme,  which  deserves  the  encouragement  of  the 
American  people. — Youth's  Companion. 

...  I spent  more  than  half  a day  in  going  over  the  details  of  the  plan  with  Mr. 
Smith.  . . . and  I am  convinced  that  wherever  he  explains  the  plan  he  will  make 
friends  for  it  atuj  believers  in  it — enthusiastic  believers  in  it.  too.  for  he  makes  every- 
thing perfectly  plain  and  practicable.  . . . — IV.  D.,  Ilegular  Weekly  Correspondent 
N.  Y.  Times. 

The  editorial  of  the  Telegraph,  London,  England,  of  December  3,  1S91.  is  a descrip- 
tive review  of  the  Design  and  Prospectus.  It  closes  as  follows  : 

Two  questions,  however — the  most  practical  of  all — remain  to  be  propounded. 
What,  in  the  first  place,  will  be  the  cost  ? and,  secondly,  will  it  pav  ? We  will  answer 
the  last  question  first.  Mr.  Smith’s  experience  at  Saratoga  with  his  exquisite  and 
elaborate  reproduction  of  the  Pompeian  house  of  Pansa  (noticed  in  these  columns 
a few  weeks  since),  is  of  the  most  encouraging  kind.  To  the  most  intelligent  classes 
of  Americans — college  professors,  teachers,  scholars,  and  artists — it  has  been  a con- 
stant delight,  a perpetual  resort. 

Turning  to  the  first  question,  no  one  who  knows  the  American  people — their 
passion  for  antiquity,  their  thirst  for  knowledge,  their  patriotism,  and,  best  of  all,  their 
generosity— will  doubt  what  their  response  to  the  hand  of  such  an  Enchanter  will  be. 

“ Never,”  he  exclaims,  “in  the  history  of  mankind  has  a city  been  favored  with  a 
“ fairer  promise  than  this  work  presents  Founded  upon  the  popular  devotion  of 
“ a nation,  it  will  inevitably  reflect  their  liberality.  Washington  will  become  a glorv 
“ to  the  Republic  in  its  resources  of  knowledge,  its  grandeur  of  architecture  and  art.” 


EXTRACTS  FROM  PRESS  NOTICES 
OF  THE  HALLS  OF  THE  ANCIENTS. 


THE  WASHINGTON'  POST. 

OCTOBKR  30,  1S9S. 

The  hundreds  of  people  who  have  curiously  watched  the  progress  of  the  work  on 
the  peculiar  looking  building  on  New  York  Avenue,  near  Fourteenth  Street,  for  nearly 
a vear  past,  will  within  a few  weeks  have  their  curiosity  satisfied  in  a most  agreeable 
manner,  when  one  of  the  strangest  and  most  unparalleled  restorations  of  antiquities 
will  be  first  opened  to  the  public.  The  building,  with  its  grand  Egyptian  facade,  will 
contain  an  exhibit  which  eminent  authorities  assert  is  not  equaled  in  any  museum, 
public  or  private,  in  the  world. 

The  building  and  its  ancient  interior  reconstructions  have  been  put  in  place  by  an 
association  known  as  the  National  Galleries  Company,  organized  by  Mr.  Franklin 
Webster  Smith,  who,  for  nearly  half  a century,  has  made  a study  of  antique  architec- 
ture and  manners  and  customs.  . . . 

Mr.  Smith  will  leave  to  posterity  in  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients  the  most  unique 
educational  heritage  that  could  be  left  as  a legacy  to  any  city.  . . 

INSIDE  THE  BUILDING. 

The  Halls  of  the  Ancients,  on  New  York  Avenue,  are  intended  merely  to  prepare 
the  people  for  what  is  intended  next.  Mr.  Smith  believes  that  it  will  be  necessary  to 
educate  the  public  to  a certain  extent  before  they  will  properly  appreciate  the  scheme 
which  he  has  originated.  Hence  he  has  gathered  together  in  the  various  halls  of  the 
large  building  which  he  erected  on  New  York  Avenue  specimens  of  the  architecture, 
decorations,  paintings,  life  and  customs  of  the  ancients. 

He  is  authority  for  the  statement  that  it  is  the  first  time  such  a thing  has  ever  been 
done  in  the  world.  Museums  have  contented  themselves  only  with  relics  and  originals 
for  the  most  part.  Mr.  Smith,  however,  has  gone  back  into  the  past  and  has  brought 
a part  of  that  past  into  the  present.  After  passing  through  only  one  or  two  rooms  of 
the  building  which  he  has  fitted  up  in  the  styles  of  the  dead  races,  one  feels  as  though 
he  has  just  stepped  either  from  a Roman  drama  or  a novel  of  Bulwer  Lytton.  The 
surroundings,  the  atmosphere,  the  decorations  are  complete  in  every  detail.  The 
illusion  is  almost  perfect.  It  is  truly  a part  of  another  world,  a world  long  dead,  that 
Mr.  Smith  has  transplanted  into  the  heart  of  Washington. 

THE  EVENING  STAR. 

WASHINGTON,  FEBRUARY  6,  1S99. 

The  Halls  of  the  Ancients,  the  unique  structure  lately  erected  on  the  site  of  the 
“Rink,”  on  New  York  Avenue  near  13th  Street,  was  thrown  open  to  the  President, 
the  Cabinet,  Congress  and  the  press,  exclusively,  last  Saturday  night. 

These  halls  are  constructed  to  illustrate  the  art,  architecture,  and  life  of  the  ancient 
Egyptian,  Assyrian,  Graeco-Roman  and  Saracenic  people.  The  special  purpose  is  to 
show  the  natural,  practical  life  of  the  nationalities  of  the  early  ages. 

DESIGN  OF  THE  STRUCTURE. 

The  structure  is  designed  to  demonstrate,  the  prospectus  states,  the  unequaled  educa- 
tional facilities,  the  exhaustless  popular  entertainment  and  the  ready  feasibility  of  a 
group  of  national  galleries  and  courts,  which  shall  exhibit,  in  full  size,  architectural 
reconstructions  of  ancient  nationalities,  paintings  of  their  history  in  chronological 
order  and  realistic  representations  of  their  religious,  civil,  and  domestic  life,  upon  a 
grand  systematic  plan,  greatly  surpassing  all  existing  museums,  with  their  fragmen- 
tary collections,  for  historical  illustration. 

A few  steps  from  the  street  last  Saturday  night  carried  the  visiting  throngs  back  to 
the  mysterious  times  of  world-old  Egypt. 

The  halls  are  most  striking  and  faithful  in  their  color  scheme,  and  will  be  found  of 
absorbing  interest.  They  were  opened  permanently  to  the  public  today. 

67 


68 


EXTRACTS  FROM  PRESS  NOTICES. 


THE  WASHINGTON  TIMES. 

FEBRUARY  5,  1S99. 

Many  men  anti  women  of  the  nineteenth  century  trod  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients  last 
night. 

* The  building  on  New  York  Avenue  between  Thirteenth  and  Fourteenth  Streets, 
once  known  as  the  Rink,  but  which  during  the  last  two  years  has  been  reconstructed  in 
t he  architecture  of  many  ages  ago,  was  opened  for  a reception  arranged  for  the  Presi- 
dent, the  Cabinet,  members  of  Congress,  and  newspaper  correspondents. 

As  the  guests  moved  through  the  Egyptian  Hall  of  the  Kings,  it  was  not  difficult  for 
them  to  fancy  that  they  were  living  in  that  great  civilization  which  Abraham,  after 
leaving  Ur  of  the  Chaldees,  found  in  Khatne,  then  the  native  name  of  Egypt.  Their 
fancy  carried  them  back  thousands  of  years  and  their  memories  recall  the  tales  which 
Diodorus,  Siculus,  Herodotus,  and  Manetho  wrote  of  the  Ilamites,  the  Pharaohs,  and 
the  Hyksos. 

INTO  THE  DIM  PAST. 

When  the  guests  stood  in  the  Assyrian  Throne  Room,  they  could  imagine  them- 
selves back  in  the  Land  of  Shinar  and  in  that  country  between  the  Euphrates  and  the 
Tigris,  where,  according  to  the  Hebrew  Scriptures,  mankind  came  into  being.  They 
could  recall  the  struggles  of  the  Assyrians  for  independence  from  the  Chaldeans,  and 
the  wonderful  names  of  the  Tiglath-Pileser  and  Assurpanipal,  forgotten  since  school 
days,  came  again  to  mind.  In  memory,  they  walked  the  streets  of  Babylon,  Nineveh, 
Erech,  Accad.  and  Calneh. 

When  the  visitors  moved  into  the  Roman  House,  all  the  stories  they  had  read  about 
the  “ Mistress  of  the  World  ” were  revived  and  some  of  them  recalled  that  passage  from 
John  Lord’s  “ The  Old  Roman  World,”  which  runs  : “ Roman  history,  so  grand  and 
so  mournful,  on  the  whole  suggests  cheering  views  of  humanity,  since  out  of  the  ruins, 
amid  the  storms,  aloft  above  the  conflagration,  there  came  certain  indestructible  forces, 
which,  when  united  with  Christianity,  developed  a new  and  more  glorious  condition  of 
humanity.” 

LEI)  THROUGH  ANCIENT  HALLS. 

When  the  guests  assembled  last  night  they  were  led  by  Mr.  Smith  by  the  Portal  of 
Karnak  into  the.  Egyptian  Hall  of  the  Kings. 

In  telling  of  the  things  presented  to  view  Mr.  Smith  said  that  existing  museums 
have  established  a general  impression  of  Egyptian  life  as  gloomy — perpetually  funereal 
in  its  thought,  imagination,  and  forecast;  of  Egypt  as  a nation  of  mummies  in  resur- 
rection, breathing  in  awe  and  ghostliness.  The  present  reconstructions  will  correct 
this  dismal  conception  as  utterly  erroneous. 

ASSOCIATED  PRESS 

TO 

NEW  YORK  TIMES,  BOSTON  POST  AND  HERALD,  CHICAGO  RECORD,  ETC. 

Washington,  Feb.  5.— A novel,  artistic,  and  educational  institution  was  opened  here 
last  night,  known  as  “The  Hall  of  the  Ancients.”  The  Hall  is  a large,  specially  con- 
structed building,  intended  by  its  projectors  as  the  precursor  of  a great  series  of 
national  museums  and  art  galleries.  The  present  building  represents  Egyptian, 
Assyrian,  Roman,  and  Moorish  inferiors.  The  walls  are  covered  with  frescoes  drawn 
from  classic  models,  and  the  furniture  and  ornamentations  of  each  section  are 
historically  correct. 

The  originator  of  the  idea  is  Mr.  Franklin  Webster  Smith,  of  Boston.  The  ultimate 
object  is  to  induce  the  government  to  set  aside  a large  tract  of  land  between  the  Capitol 
and  the  river,  to  be  covered  with  galleries  and  courts,  to  form  great  national  object 
lessons  in  architecture,  art,  life,  and  manners  of  past  nations 


A Concrete  Monolithic  Construction:  Facade  of  450  Ft.  Range: 
Tower  100  Ft.  in  Height. 


FRANKLIN  W.  SMITH,  ARCHITECT  HOTEL  CaSA-MONICA 


A SARACENIC  RECONSTRUCTION  IN  CONCRETE. 


FRAHKU*  W SMITH,  ARCHITECT. 


The  Court  of  Villa  Zorayda. 

The  walls  and  arches  are  of  concrete  ; the  latter 
are  plated  with  Alhambresque  tracery. 


The  Hotel  (originally)  “Casa-Monica,”  in  St.  Augus- 
tine, and  Villa  Zorayda,  are  substantial  demonstrations 
of  the  durability,  beauty,  and  cheapness  of  concretel 
construction.  The  Villa  Zorayda  was  the  experimental 
beginning  in  method  and  material  that  continued  into 
superb  and  vast  constructions,  now  world-famous.  Lately, 
concrete  has  been  utilized  in  thin  and  economical,  yet 
durable  fire-proof  walls:  upon  metal-expanded  lathing, 
with  steel  frame-work.  Buildings  in  various  styles  of 
form  and  ornamentation  have  been  thus  constructed  in 
different  cities,  with  a success  that  promises  its  ultimate 
development  in  common  use.  It  is  specially  adapted  to 
the  long  ranges  of  galleries  herein  proposed : as  in  the  great 
buildings  of  Chicago,  it  can  be  moulded  into  any  structural 
form,  and  receive  any  style  of  carved  or  super-imposed 
ornamentation.  Unlike  the  temporary  wood  frame 
work  and  lime  staff  at  the  Fair , it  would  be  in- 
destructible. 


Washington,  D.  C. , January  2,  1899. 

Mr.  Franklin  Webster  Smith. 

Dear  Sir: — As  a strong  advocate  of  Concrete  Construction  I am  glad  to  observe  that  you  have 
used  Concrete  for  your  stairs,  columns  and  other  parts  of  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients. 

For  a practical  demonstration  of  the  durability  and  beauty  of  Concrete  we  have  but  to  glance  at 
the  Ancient  Roman  Monuments  How  extensively  and  practically  it  was  used  ; how  everlasting 
it  has  been.  It  is  a mystery  to  me  why  its  use  was  forgotten  during  the  long  centuries  intervening 
between  the  fall  of  the  Roman  Empire  and  the  present  time. 

For  my  own  part  I believe  that  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  we  shall  use  no  materials  in 
their  natural  state  in  the  construction  and  ornamentation  of  our  buildings.  Natural  materials  were 
given  man  to  use  until  by  his  science  and  his  learning  he  should  be  able  to  evolve  something  new 
and  better.  Although  that  day  has  not  arrived  the  scientific  use  of  Concrete  is  one  of  the  first  steps 
in  that  direction. 

It  is  more  homogeneous  and  entirely  free  of  all  the  fissures  of  natural  stone  ; beside  being 
absolutely  fireproof.  Its  cost,  too,  especially  when  Architectural  and  Ornamental  forms  are  desireti, 
is  but  a tenth  of  that  of  cut  stone.  Indeed  I am  fully  convinced  that  you  could  employ  no  better 
material  tor  the  erection  of  National  Galleries  than  Concrete. 

Concrete  and  plaster  work  we  first  used  in  the  construction  of  the  Irish  Village  at  the  World's 
Fair  in  1892.  Not  following  the  generally  adopted  scheme  of  staff  construction,  we  found  that  we 
could  get  the  same  effect  more  cheaply 

We  have  several  examples  of  concrete  ornamentation  in  private  work  here  in  Washington  and 
we  have  built  all  our  outside  staircases  and  window  sills  on  the  new  Census  Building  of  it. 

1 greatly  admire  your  staircases  in  the  Halls  ofthe  Ancients,  cast  in  red  and  black  concrete.  They 
are  more  imposing  than  iron  could  be,  besides  being,  as  you  state,  but  one-third  the  cost. 

Trusting  that  your  whole  grand  and  noble  scheme  for  National  Galleries  may  immediately 
materialize,  I remain,  Yours  very  truly, 

G.  O.  TOTTEN,  Jr  , of  Totten  & Rogers,  Architects. 

69 


The  halls  as  fields  for  biblical  illustration 


Hebrews  at  Their  Tasks  as  Brickmakers. 


“And  Pharaoh  commanded  the  same  day  the  task-masters  of  the  people  and  their 
officers  saying:  Ye  shall  no  more  give  the  people  straw  to  make  hrick,  as  heretofore; 
let  them  go  and  gather  straw  for  themselves.” — Exod.  v,  6th  and  7th  verses. 

1'he  following  texts  are  exemplified  or  explained  by  various  details  of 
ornamentation  and  by  objects  in  the  Halls  : 

Roman  Illustrations. 

Luke  vii,  36-38 — John  ii,  1-11 — John  xiii,  25 — xiii,  r,  26-28 — Acts  i, 

13 —  Acts  x,  9 — xii,  4 — xxviii,  14-19,  30 — xxv,  10  — Romans  xvi,  5,  7-1 1 — 
1 Corinthians  ix,  24-26 — Philippians  iv,  22. 

Assyrian  Illustrations. 

Genesis  x,  11,  12 — 1 Kings  vii,  7 — 2 Kings  xv,  15,  19,  20,  25,  29 — 
xvi,  5-10 — xvii , 1,3-6 — xvi i i , 7,  11,  14-17  — xix,  27,  35,37 — xx,  12 — xxv, 
7 — Ezra  iv,  2 —Esther  vi,  1 — Jeremiah  xxxix,  7 — Ezekiel  xxiii,  14 — xxvii, 

14 —  Daniel  i,  3,  5,  S,  10 — vii,  14. 

Egyptian  Illustrations. 

Genesis  xxii,  5 — xxiv,  5 — xli,  19-5 7 — xlv,  9.  13 — Exodus  iii,  7— xiv,  1 1 — 
Joshua  ix,  9 — Isaiah  x,  24  — xi,  11,  15 — Jeremiah  ii,  tS — xxxvii,  5 — Ezekiel 
xx,  7 — Daniel  xi,  43. 

Moaiiite  Stone. 

1 Kings  xi,  33 — 2 Kings  i,  1 — xiii,  20 — xxiv,  2. 

The  Roman  House  especially  provides  vivid  object  lessons,  explaining 
incidental  scriptural  references  to  Roman  manners  and  customs.  With 
impersonations  the  occurrences  at  meals,  the  scene  of  St.  Paul  preaching 
“ in  his  own  hired  house,”  &c.,  &c.,  can  be  made  clear  and  realistic.  (V. 
Conybeare  and  Howson.) 

Psalm  cxix,  105  : “ Thy  word  is  a lamp  unto  my  feet  and  a light  unto  my 
path,”  is  delightfully  illustrated  by  the  model  of  a Roman  foot-lamp  from 
Pompeii.  — See  Taberna,  Roman  House. 

Paintings  from  Pompeii  show  the  vessels  of  the  Romans,  on  one  of  which 
St.  Paul  was  wrecked  at“Melita;”  the  foot!  of  their  tables ; the  mode  of 
its  service.  Objects  exhumed  which  have  been  modeled  precisely  reveal 
the  appliances  of  their  households:  the  amphora  for  storing  wine;  the 
crater  for  mixing  it ; the  appliances  of  the  kitchen,  the  rich  service  for  the 
table,  the  censers  for  the  domestic  altar,  &c.,  &c. 

When  the  clergy  and  Sabbath  School  instructors  learn  of  these  facilities 
for  religious  as  well  as  secular  education,  doubtless  they  will  be  eagerly  im- 
proved for  dissemination  of  biblical  knowledge. 

70 


Part  II. 


DESCRIPTION 

AND 

ILLUSTRATIONS 

OF  PROPOSED 

Na  tional 
Galleries 

BY 

Franklin  Webster  Smith. 


An  Egyptian  Column 
from  a bas  relief, 
restored  in  the 
Halls  of  the  Ancients, 
Washington. 


C.  Chiiuez,  Restorer. 


56th  Congress,  I 

1st  Sessioti.  j 


SENATE. 


j Document 

1 No.  209. 


PAHT  II. 


DESIGN 


FOR 


National  Cilleries  of  History  and  Akt 


IN 


WASHINGTON, 


BY 


Franklin  Webster  Smith. 


February  12,  1900.— Presented  by  Mr.  Hoar,  referred  to  the  Committee 
on  District  of  Columbia,  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 


WASHINGTON  : 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE. 
I9OO. 


PART  I. 

Petition  of  Franklin  Webster  Smith  for  a site  for  National 
Galleries  of  History  and  Art. 

Descriptive  Handbook  of  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients, 

Constructed  for  promotion  of  said  Galleries  according  to  the  design 
ANNEXED. — 74  PAGES,  53  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

*The  author  furnished  electrotypes  of  the  text  and  illustrations  ready  for  the  press. 


F*  A re  r hi. 

Designs,  Plans,  and  Suggestions  for  the  Aggrandizement  of 

Washington. 


For  Part  II  electrotypes  for  113  illustrations,  and  for  Part  III  for  30  illustrations  were  supplied; 
also  all  colored  leaves  inserted  with  color  printing. 


Part  ii. 


DESIGN 

AND 

PROSPECTUS 


O!0!O 


HISTORY 

AND 

ART 


WASHINGTON 


Tfrriwiiirrmirrrrmiirimiirm 


'rTnTmrnTiirmmTmimrnrmrfnii[f; 


Aliiiidiilf 


REMARKS  OF  MR.  HOAR  IN  THE  SENATE. 


[From  the  Congressional  Record,  Fifty-sixth  Congress,  first  session.  Washington,  Monday, 

February  12,  1900.] 

National  Gallery  of  History  and  art. 

Mr.  Hoar.  I present  the  petition  of  Franklin  W.  Smith,  of  Boston, 
Mass. , praying  for  an  appropriation  of  land  for  a site  for  National  Galleries 
of  history  and  art,  and  for  aid  in  the  establishment  thereof. 

I ask  unanimous  consent  to  make  a statement  in  regard  to  this  petition. 
The  petitioner  is  a business  man  of  great  distinction  and  success,  who  for 
many  years  has  devoted  his  life  to  the  promotion  of  National  Galleries  of 
art  which  shall  represent  and  reproduce  the  architecture,  both  public  or 
ornamental  and  domestic,  of  the  ancient  nations,  especially  Greece  and 
Rome,  but  also  the  Oriental  cities.  He  has  devoted  his  whole  time  to  a 
study  of  that  subject  and  has  become  an  eminent  authority.  He  has 
made  a large  collection  of  books  and  prints,  and  has,  with  the  financial 
cooperation  of  Mr.  S.  Walter  Woodward,  of  Washington,  on  New  York 
avenue,  in  this  city,  built  and  adorned  some  halls  showing  great  beauty 
and  in  full  size  Roman,  Egyptian,  Assyrian,  and  Saracenic  architecture. 

What  the  petitioner  desires  is  to  have  the  site  of  the  old  observatory 
appropriated  by  the  United  States,  and  some  land  in  the  neigborhood, 
where  he  will  place  his  own  collection  and  devote  himself  entirely,  if  he 
maybe  permitted,  to  advancing  that  work.  It  will  become,  at  a very 
moderate  cost,  a great  ornament  to  the  capital  of  the  nation,  and  it  will 
have  an  educational  power,  he  thinks,  more  potent  than  many  lecture- 
ships or  professorships.  He  hopes  very  much  that  the  members  of  the 
two  Houses  will,  before  acting  upon  his  petition,  visit,  as  some  gentlemen 
I am  told  have  already  visited,  the  beautiful  collection  and  buildings  here. 

I ask  unanimous  consent  that  this  petition,  which  is  very  brief,  com- 
prising a page  or  two,  and  the  Design  and  Prospectus  which  accompany 
it,  may  be  printed  as  a document,  for  the  use  of  the  Senate.  I under- 
stand that  there  are  some  plates,  but  he  has  all  the  plates  prepared,  so 
that  that  will  be  no  cost  to  the  Government. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  petition  will  be  referred  to  the 
Committee  on  the  Library. 

Mr.  Hoar.  I rather  think  it  would  be  better  on  the  whole  that  the 
petition  should  go  to  the  Committee  on  the  District  of  Columbia,  as  it 
asks  for  the  occupation  of  certain  lands  within  the  District. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  It  will  be  so  referred.  The  Senator 
from  Massachusetts  asks  that  the  paper  which  he  presents  may  be  printed 
as  a document. 

Mr.  Hoar.  The  petition  and  papers. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Is  there  objection?  The  Chair  hears 
none,  and  it  is  so  ordered. 

4 


CONTENTS. 


Page. 

Prefatory 6 

National  Galleries  a national  necessity 23 

Foreign  Galleries  and  Museums — The  Vatican,  Pitti  and  Uffizi  Galleries, 
Louvre,  Galleries  of  Munich,  Dresden,  St.  Petersburg,  Berlin,  London, 
Naples,  Versailles,  School  of  Fine  Arts,  Paris;  The  Cluny,  Trocadero, 

Bavarian  National  Museum,  The  Kensington  in  London 28 

Description  of  the  design  and  plan  of  the  proposed  National  Galleries  of 
History  and  Art — The  Courts,  with  reconstructions — Galleries  in  Historical 

Buildings,  Lecture  Halls 41 

Concrete  construction  advocated— Ancient  and  modern  concrete  works — Its 

advantages  and  economies 53 

Contents  proposed  for  the  Galleries  and  Courts 69 

Educational  administration  of  the  Galleries:  Methods  and  facilities  for  the 

diffusion  of  knowledge 107 

Estimated  cost  of  the  Galleries-  A central  and  most  advantageous  site  in 

Washington,  now  cheaply  available — The  future  of  Washington 119 

Ways  and  means  for  the  National  Galleries 128 

Addenda: 

1.  Comparative  grandeur  of  the  design 135 

2.  Art  in  utility  for  object  lessons  in  education 135 

3.  Color  for  the  temples  advocated,  as  upon  the  originals 140 

4.  The  fascination  of  the  realistic  illustrations  imagined,  in  confirmation 

of  the  opinion  of  Senator  Hawley,  president  of  the  Centennial  Expo- 
position,  that  when  specimen  sections  are  built  the  people  will 
hasten  all  to  completion  by  their  gifts 140 

5.  The  educational  value  of  models  of  architectural  examples — Illustra- 

tions of  those  in  the  New  York  Metropolitan  Museum  from  the 
Willard  bequest,  in  the  Louvre,  and  in  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients.  . . . 152 

6.  Paper  in  reference  to  the  facilities  for  the  modern  reconstructions  pro- 

posed, supplied  by  the  results  of  modern  arclueology 164 

7.  Further  statements  comprising  the  estimated  cost  of  the  galleries.  . 181 

Pages  printed  in  color  were  furnished  by  the  author. 

5 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Part  II. 

No.  i.  Title  page.  Renaissance  arch.  Page. 

No.  2.  Plan  of  Washington io 

No.  3.  Design  for  National  Gallery 14 

No.  4.  Design  for  American  Acropolis  with  Temples 15 

No.  5.  Model  of  the  Porta  Maggiore,  Rome 16 

No.  6.  Model  of  Miclclegate  Bar,  York,  England 17 

No.  7.  Model  of  Chinese  Pagoda  and  Campanile,  Florence 18 

No.  8.  Solarium  of  Pompeian  House,  Saratoga  Springs 19 

No.  9.  Atrium  and  tablinum,  Pompeian  House,  Saratoga  Springs 20 

No.  10.  Atrium  and  cubicula,  Pompeian  House,  Saratoga  Springs 21 

No.  11.  Glaucus,  Nydia,  and  lone,  Pompeian  House,  Saratoga  Springs 22 

No.  12.  Restoration  of  Roman  Forum 23 

No.  13.  Bibliotheca,  Pompeian  House,  Saratoga  Springs 25 

No.  14.  Plxterior  of  the  Trocadero  Galleries,  Paris 28 

No.  15.  Interior  of  the  Trocadero  Galleries,  Paris 29 

No.  16.  Gallery  of  Architectural  Casts  in  the  Trocadero 30 

No.  17.  Graeco-Roman  Room,  British  Museum 31 

No.  18.  Halls  of  the  Cluny  Museum,  Paris 32 

No.  19.  Pavilion  of  the  Louvre,  Paris 33 

No.  20.  Exterior  of  the  Louvre 34 

No.  2i.  Gallery  of  Apollo,  Louvre 35 

No.  22.  Hall  of  Casts  in  School  of  Fine  Arts,  Paris 36 

No.  23.  Design  of  British  Imperial  Institute 37 

No.  24.  Perspectives  of  proposed  Galleries  of  History 40 

No.  25.  Colonnade  of  the  Forum,  Pompeii 43 

No.  26.  Section  of  proposed  galleries 44 

No.  27.  Proposed  design  for  Roman  lecture  hall 45 

No.  28.  Design  for  Greek  lecture  hall 46 

No.  29.  An  angle  tower  of  Roman  galleries 47 

No.  30.  Roman  pavilion,  entrance  to  court 48 

No.  31.  Court  of  Lions,  Alhambra 49 

No.  32.  Taj  Mahal  for  Indian  court 50 

No.  33.  Gothic  hall,  Mediaeval  court 51 

No.  34.  Villa  Zorayda 54 

No.  35.  The  first  concrete  arch  in  St.  Augustine 55 

No.  36.  Vestibule,  Villa  Zorayda 56 

No.  37.  Interior  court,  Villa  Zorayda 57 

No.  3S.  Concrete  residence,  Port  Chester,  N.  V 58 

No.  39.  Interior  of  residence,  Port  Chester,  N.  Y 59 

6 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS.  7 

Page. 

No.  40.  Hotel  Casa-Monica,  monolith  of  concrete 61 

No.  41.  Hotel  Casa-Monica  in  construction 62 

No.  42.  Chimney  and  mantelpiece  in  concrete 63 

No.  43.  Moorish  arches  in  Villa  Zorayda 64 

No.  44.  Mausoleum  of  Halicarnassus 67 

No.  45.  Canina’s  restoration  of  the  Roman  Forum 68 

No.  46.  Spanish  cloister,  Naranco 69 

No.  47.  Spanish  staircase,  Toledo 70 

No.  48.  Pinelli’s  Triumph  of  Romulus 71 

No.  49.  Pinelli’s  Lucius  Junius  Brutus  condemning  his  sons. . 72 

No.  50.  Pinelli’s  Condemnation  of  Coriolanus  to  exile 73 

No.  51.  Pinelli’s  Gifts  of  Roman  women  for  war  against  the  Gauls 74 

No.  52.  Pinelli’s  Death  of  Regulus 75 

No.  53.  Pinelli’s  Oath  of  Hamilcar  to  his  son  Hannibal 76 

No.  54.  Temple  of  Philae 76 

No.  55.  Details  of  Corinthian  architecture 77 

No.  56.  Cloisters  of  St.  Paul,  Rome 78 

No.  57.  Casa  Zaporta,  Spain 79 

No.  58.  Gothic  portal,  Beauvais 80 

No.  58^.  Chart  of  comparative  architecture 80  Vz 

No.  59.  Indian  pavilion 81 

No.  60.  Jania  temple,  India 82 

No.  61.  Balcony,  Benares,  India 83 

No.  62.  Pillar,  Tschultric,  India 84 

No.  63.  Tope  of  Sanchi,  India 85 

No.  64.  Hall  in  Palace  of  Allahabad,  India 85 

Nos.  65,  65a.  Ceramics  of  the  nations 86,  87 

No.  66.  Interior  of  Egyptian  palace 88 

No.  67.  Paris  in  the  time  of  Francis  I 89 

No.  68.  Bird’s-eye  view  of  Egyptian  palace 90 

No.  69.  Atrium  of  a Greek  house 91 

No.  70.  Triclinium  of  a Greek  house 92 

No.  71.  Design  for  proposed  Roman  court 94 

No.  72.  Catacombs,  Rome 95 

No.  73.  A Roman  columbarium 96 

No.  74.  Inscriptions  from  the  Alhambra 96 

No.  75.  Puerto  del  Sol,  Toledo 97 

No.  76.  Mosque  of  Cordova 98 

No.  77.  Design  for  proposed  Moorish  court  99 

No.  78.  Castle  of  Rheinstein 100 

No.  79.  Piers  in  lantern  of  Burgos  cathedral 101 

No.  80.  Restoration  of  an  Assyrian  throne  room 102 

No.  81.  Exterior  of  an  Assyrian  palace 103 

No.  82.  Town  hall,  Antwerp 105 

No.  83.  Gate  from  Paris  in  the  time  of  Francis  1 107 

No.  84.  Salon,  Fontainebleau 108 

No.  85.  Chamber  at  Aizrey 109 

No.  86.  Gallery  of  Francis  I,  Fontainebleau no 

No.  87.  Chamber  of  Marie  (le  Medicis,  Fontainebleau 1 1 1 

No.  88.  Court  in  palace,  Saragossa ' 112 

No.  89. . Norman  gate,  Bristol,  England 113 

No.  90.  German  cloth  hall,  Brunswick 114 

No.  91.  Fountain,  Nuremberg 116 


8 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Page. 

No.  92.  Japanese  pavilion 117 

No.  93.  Chinese  dwelling,  interior 120 

No.  94.  Chinese  dwelling,  exterior 120 

No.  95.  Norwegian  church 121 

No.  96.  Russian  cathedral 121 

No.  97.  Mosque  of  Kalt  Bey,  Cairo 12J 

No.  98.  Old  Observatory  building,  Washington 123 

No.  99.  View  eastward  from  Naval  Observatory 124 

No.  100.  Premises  adjoining  old  Observatory 125 

No.  101.  Nozze  Aldobrandini 128 

No.  102.  Decoration  from  Raphael’s  Loggie 131 

No.  103.  Ceiling  from  the  Baths  of  Titus  132 

No.  104.  Elevation  of  palace  in  Yucatan 134 

No.  105.  Elevation  of  sacrificial  mound,  Yucatan 134 

Nos.  106,107.  Giacomelli’s  illustrations,  “ The  Bird” 136 

No.  108.  Scenes  in  the  Roman  Forum  in  the  days  of  Marcus  Aurelius 141 

No.  109.  Moorish  court  in  Villa  Zorayda,  with  Alhambresque  tracery 143 

Nos.  no,  ill,  1 12,  1 13.  Views  in  the  court  of  the  Moorish  Villa  Zorayda,  St. 

Augustine 144-147 

No.  1 14.  Entrance  to  the  Court  of  the  Lions,  Alhambra 148 

Nos.  115,  116.  Traceries  of  the  Alhambra 149 

No.  1 17.  Section  of  the  Court  of  the  Lions  . . 150 

No.  1 18.  Convent  of  La  Rabida 150 

No.  1 1 9.  Court  of  Bensaquin,  Tangiers 151 

No.  120.  Byzantine  portal 152 

No.  121.  Model  of  Hall  of  Darius,  Louvre 153 

No.  122.  Model  of  the  Pantheon 353 

No.  123.  Hall  of  One  Hundred  Columns,  exterior 154 

No.  124.  “ “ “ “ “ interior 155 

No.  125.  Doorway  of  cathedral  in  Spain 157 

No.  126.  Model  of  a section  of  Wittenberg 158 

No.  127.  “ “ Temple  of  Denderali 159 

No.  128.  “ “ Pagoda  of  Wat  Chang 160 

No.  129.  Restoration  of  Olympia 161 

No.  130.  Exterior  of  Palace  of  Sennacherib 162 

No.  13 1.  Court  of  an  Assyrian  palace 163 

Nos.  132,  133,  134,  135.  Restorations  of  Egyptian  furniture 165 

No.  136.  Section  of  Chaldean  temple 166 

No.  137.  Chaldean  temple 167 

No.  138.  Painting  of  the  Grandeur  of  Rome 168 

No.  139.  Restoration  of  the  Baths  of  Diocletian 169 

No.  140.  Bird’s-eye  view  of  an  Egyptian  villa 171 

No.  141.  Gateway  and  wall  of  an  Egyptian  temple 172 

No.  142.  Portico  in  Temple  of  Medinet-Abou 173 

No.  143.  Treasury  of  Atreus 174 

No.  144.  Casts — caryatides,  masks,  etc 176 

No.  145.  Greek  vases 177 

No.  146.  Pinelli’s  Frontispiece,  vases,  etc 178 

No.  147.  Damascus  Gate  in  Jerusalem 179 

No.  148.  Chinese  reconstructions 179 

No.  149.  Dwellings  of  modern  nations 180 

Nos.  150,  15 1.  Birthplace  of  Benjamin  Franklin 181 

No.  152.  Halls  of  the  Ancients 182 


PLAN  OF  MALL  AND  LAND  NORTH  AND  SOUTH. 


io 


ndM 


No.  2. — West  line  of  proposed  site  on  tlie  Potomac  at  Twenty-sixth  street,  east  line  Twenty-second  street,  north  line  E street,  south  line  reclaimed  park. 


This  publication  is  in  advocacy  of  a National  Educational  Institution  in  which 
Art  shall  by  beauty  and  illumination  stimulate  inquiry,  and  Actuality  in  environ- 
ment of  historical  incidents  impress  and  intensify  memory. 

Its  aim  is  to  stimulate  the  unlearned,  to  study,  and  to  provide  for  scholarship  vast 
and  systematic  treasures  of  material. 

The  author  solicits  the  reader  to  delay  conclusions  upon  this  Plan  and  Prospectus 
until  consideration  of  the  data  and  requirements  therein  anticipated. 

It  is  believed  that  they  will  counteract  any  impulsive  impression  of  an 
excessive  scale  of  plan,  and  that  they  will  prove — 

First.  That  while  the  design  is  surpassingly  grand  in  architectural 
effect,  and  may  appear  exaggerated  above  probable  demand,  it  is  in  fact 
only  proportionate  in  area  to  the  capacity  of  existing  institutions. 

Second.  That  the  apparent  vastness  of  the  constructions  is  the  effect  of 
only  one-story  galleries  (with  basements)  upon  terraces,  giving  unequaled 
grandeur  to  the  mass,  and  suggesting  excessive  cost;  while  in  fact,  from 
simplicity  of  form  and  internal  vacuity,  they  will  not  cost  the  half  of  corre- 
sponding cubical  area  in  other  national  constructions,  with  their  usual 
heights,  successive  stories,  internal  divisions,  and  lavish  ornamentation. 

Third.  That  the  galleries  as  designed  are  not  only  the  most  econom- 
ical for  great  accommodation,  but  are  best  adapted  to  the  uses  demanded, 
their  arrangement  around  open  courts  being  essential  for  the  new  and 
extraordinary  facilities  proposed  for  a modern  and  advanced  institution — 
that  should  forecast  the  needs  of  100,000,000  population,  in  oceanic 
separation  from  all  remains  of  former  civilizations.  Three  of  the  most 
novel  and  important  of  these  provisions  contemplated  are: 

A.  Galleries  for  illustrations  in  chronological  order , of  events  of  historic 
periods  and  nationalities,  by  paintings  in  scries , and  by  replica  of  artistic 
and  archaeological  material  upon  ample  scale. 

B.  Galleries,  likewise,  of  casts  and  models  of  all  architectural  orders 
and  national  stytes,  of  statuary,  inscriptions,  bas-reliefs,  etc.,  more 
systematic  in  arrangement  and  extensive  in  range  than  any  now  in 
existence. 

C.  Reproductions  in  full  size , in  the  courts  of  the  respective  galleries 
of  historic  nationalities;  of  their  remaining  monuments;  and.  reproductions 
of  temples,  dwellings,  tombs,  etc.,  typical  of  their  religion,  life,  man- 
ners, and  art. 

Fourth.  That  this  asserted  economy  in  construction  will  result  from 
the  use  of  the  material  and  methods  advised,  viz,  of  sand- Roman-cement- 
concrete,  molded  in  repetition  of  the  simple  forms  delineated,  at  much 
less  cost  than  of  ordinary  brickwork,  the  advantages  of  said  material 
and  the  feasibility  of  said  methods  being  illustrated  from  both  ancient 

11 


12 


DESIGNS  AND  CONTENTS  OF  THE  GALLERIES. 


and  late  modern  practice.  This  opinion  has  also  the  concurrent  judg- 
ment of  the  eminent  architectural  firm  associated  with  the  author  in  this 
publication.  The  argument  for  concrete  is  by  no  means  based  upon  its  com- 
parative cheapness  alone.  On  the  contrary,  it  is  believed  to  be  better,  in  view 
of  all  requirements  involved,  than  any  stone.  An  experimental  construction 
is  proposed;  then,  if  marble  or  stone  may  be  deemed  preferable,  cither  should 
be  used,  regardless  of  cost.  The  United  States  of  America  can  afford  the 
best  facilities  the  world  offers  for  such  important  and  enduring  interests. 

Fifth.  That  the  aggregation  of  material  proposed  to  be  gradually 
obtained  is  inexpensive  in  comparison  to  the  cost  of  original  art  and 
antiquarian  treasures,  while  as  valuable  in  practical  use.  Masterpieces 
and  gems  of  art,  it  may  be  anticipated,  will  steadily  accrue  to  national 
ownership  from  individual  generosity  and  such  foundations  as  the  Cor- 
coran Gallery. 

The  area  proposed  for  the  galleries,  courts,  and  avenues  is  62. 17  acres — 
about  6 acres  to  each,  500  feet  square.  The  old  Observatory  site,  national 
property,  covers  22.78  acres.  To  obtain  the  required  62. 17  acres  only  17 
acres,  or  less  than  one-fourth  the  area,  must  be  purchased,  the  intermedi- 
ate streets  which  will  fall  within  the  lines  without  cost  measuring  22  acres. 

The  17  acres  (740,520  square  feet)  are  now  valued  at  50  cents  per 
foot;  all  $370,260.  At  $500,000  they  would  be  an  opportunity  for  the 
Government  that  will  soon  be  lost. 

Doubtless  a commission  would  advise  the  Government  to  secure  now 
the  entire  dump  along  the  north  side  of  Potomac  Park,  to  the  President’s 
grounds.  Betterments  upon  E street  for  2,227  feet  would  repay  the  outlay. 

The  late  Mr.  James  Renwick,  architect,  estimated  the  cost  of  the  gal- 
leries per  100  feet  length,  32  feet  wide,  and  35  feet  high,  with  side  cor- 
ridors for  casts,  25  feet  high,  13  feet  wide,  and  corner  towers,  with  steam 
heat,  at  $31,363.  “ This  is  probably  a safe  estimate  within  7 per  cent.” 

(Signed,  James  Renwick.)  The  square  of  500  feet  would  make  1,700 
feet  range  of  gallery  for  construction  with  exterior  length  of  2,000  feet — 
at  the  above  estimate  to  cost  $533,171;  adding  $466,829  for  construc- 
tions at  greater  elevation,  would  make  $1,000,000  for  each  gallery  and 
court — $8,000,000  for  eight,  leaving  $2,000,000  for  structures  repro- 
duced, illustrative  paintings,  etc.;  $10,000,000  would  cover  the  cost. 
This  could  be  extended  through  several  years,  a section  of  each  style 
being  commenced. 

“I  believe  that  if  a section  of  the  Egyptian  and  Roman  courts  and 
galleries  can  be  built  with  the  illustrations  proposed,  the  rich  men  of  the 
country  will  rapidly  complete  the  series.  They  will  welcome  a scheme 
of  such  national  and  permanent  usefulness.  The  people  generally  will 
freely  contribute  buildings  or  objects  required.  They  would  be  the 
most  lasting  and  creditable  monuments  to  their  memory.” — Hon.  Jos.  R. 
Hawley,  United  States  Senator  from  Connecticut;  President  of  Centennial 
Exposition,  1876. 


No.  4. — The  American  Acropolis — Memorial  Temples  and  Galleries  of  American  History,  Sur- 
mounting National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art. 


PREFATORY 

TO  A 


PROSPECTUS  FOR  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


•(Revised  February,  1900.) 

By  Franklin  Webster  Smith,  of  Boston. 

The  following  paper  is  an  imaginative  consummation  of  what  modern 
philosophy  would  name  a mental  evolution.  Its  substance  is  by  no  means 
an  impulsive  vision  nor  the  exaggeration  of  a dream.  Its  inception  and 
development  have  been  through  a period  of  forty  years  of  considerable 
study,  travel,  and  practical  (amateur)  experience  in  architectural  design, 
modeling,  and  construction. 

In  warrant  for  the  prominence  now  given  to  it,  the  appearance  of  a 
personalty  is  unavoidable.  It  involves  a sketch  somewhat  autobiograph- 
ical, to  show  the  origin  and  growth  of  a conception  which  has  now  taken 
shape  in  the  magnificent  drawing  herein  reproduced,  and  the  details  of 
an  institution  described. 

In  1851  the  writer  made  his  first  tour  of  European  travel,  after  exam- 
ination of  the  first  World’s  Exposition  in  London.  Returning  home, 
impressions  of  places  and  objects  revived  with  covetous  yearnings  for 
their  more  substantial  resemblance  than  the  poor  pictures  of  the  time.  It 
was  before  the  application  of  Daguerre’s  invention  to  the  modern  treasure 
of  photography.  This  desire  was  satisfied  in  good  degree  by  the  pleasure 
of  construction  of  models  in  the  intervals  of  leisure  from  mercantile  life. 
For  instance:  Topographical,  of  Jerusalem;  of  localities  in  Wittenberg, 
notable  by  the  history  of  Luther,  Melancthon,  and  Frederick  the  Elector; 
of  feudal  architecture,  in  the  Mickelgate  Bar  of  York;  of  classic,  in  the 
Porta  Maggiore,  Rome;  of  historical  structures,  Queen  Mary’s  Palace  of 
Holyrood,  the  Castle  of  Wartburg,  Kenilworth  Hall,  the  Campanile  of 
Giotto,  a Chinese  Pagoda,  etc. 


15 


i6 


PREFATORY. 


Meanwhile,  to  this  date,  during  nineteen  visits,  some  sufficiently 
prolonged  to  admit  of  a general  conception  and  comparison  of  foreign 
museums  and  galleries,  he  has  craved  for  his  countrymen  and  himself  the 
transfer  to  our  land  of  thousands  of  reproductions  that  could  be  immedi- 
ately commanded  at  comparative  trifling  cost  if  halls  were  ready  to 
receive  them. 

In  the  models  mentioned  he  anticipated  b}-  a generation  the  idea  now 
richly  initiated  by  the  Metropolitan  Museum,  in  New  York,  through  the 
beneficence  of  the  Willard  bequest. 


F.  W.  Smith,  Modeled  1851. 

No.  5. — Photograph  of  model  of  the  Porta  Maggiore,  Rome,  showing  the  Aqueducts  of  Claudius 
above  the  gateways,  with  inscriptions  of  their  restoration  by  Vespasian  and  Titus.  R.1 


But  miniature  models  only  stimulated  an  impatience  for  architectural 
reproduction  on  a full  scale.  This  was  intensified  in  Spain,  within  the 
Alhambra,  and  subsequently  gratified  by  the  application  of  some  of  its 
forms  and  traceries  to  a Moorish  Court  in  St.  Augustine. 

The  enjoyment  to  himself  and  others  resulting  from  this  surrounding 
suggested  another  indulgence,  in  the  reproduction  of  a Roman  house — 
the  house  of  Pansa,  in  Pompeii — at  Saratoga  Springs. 

In  two  years  this  has  been  accomplished  successfully  upon  full  scale, 
about  200  feet  by  75  feet — 15,000  square  feet;  much  larger  and  far  more 


' R attached  to  illustrations  is  to  signify  recommended  for  reproduction  on  full 
scale  in  the  appropriate  court. 

M attached  to  signify  to  be  modeled  on  a reduced  scale. 


INCEPTION  OF  TIIK  DESIGN. 


17 


completely  than  the  two  illustrations  previously  attempted  at  Sydenham 
and  Aschaffenburg;  that  of  King  Ludwig,  of  Bavaria,  measuring  only 
7,000  square  feet.  The  Chateau  of  Prince  Napoleon,  in  Paris  (destroyed 
about  1894),  could  only  be  called  Pompeian  for  its  decorations. 

The  success  of  this  archaeological  museum  is  evidence  of  the  educa- 
tional value  of  such  reproductions  and  of  their  popular  interest. 

It  has  demonstrated  the  feasibility  of  their  creation.  It  stimulated 
courage  for  this  advocacy  of  their  extensive  multiplication  under  national 
supervision. 

Several  illustrations  of  the  interiors  and  ornamentation  of  “The  Pom- 
peia”  are  inserted  with  the  following  statements  in  support  of  the  above 

opinions. 


. 


L 


F.  W.  Smith,  Modeled  1851. 

No.  6. — Photograph  of  model  of  Mickelgate  Bar,  York,  England,  with  No.  5,  a contrast  of  classic 

and  feudal  architecture.  K. 

During  ten  years  since  its  completion , without  any  previous  announce- 
ment, and  with  ignorance  on  the  part  of  many  of  “what  is  a Pompeian 
house,”  it  has  been  visited  by  about  100,000  people,  whose  stay  has 
averaged  between  two  and  three  hours.  The  most  intelligent  classic 
professors  and  other  scholars — have  made  it  a daily  resort. 

Over  700  teachers  of  the  American  Institute  of  Instruction  and  the  New 
York  State  Teachers’  Association  found  edifying  entertainment  therein. 
It  was  a memorable  gratification  when  the  young  ladies  of  \ assar  Col- 
S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  2 2 


i8 


POMPEIAN  HOUSE  AT  SARATOGA. 


lege,  with  their  zealous  professors,  came  for  a day’s  study  by  a special 
train  of  the  New  York  Central  Railroad. 

The  Presbyterian  convention  gave  an  evening  to  the  Pompeia.  Some 
of  its  clergy  were  interested  to  read  a silent  lesson  from  history  in  the 
replica  of  the  exquisite  bronze  tripod  found  before  the  Temple  of  Isis, 
whereon  Greek  ornamentation  combined  with  the  Egyptian  Sphinx, 
showing  that  pagan  faiths  were  in  dissolution  and  coalescence  at  the  dawn 
of  Christianity  that  a century  previous  had  been  in  deadly  antagonism. 

But  these  instances  are  of  the  scholarly  class.  The  curiosity,  if  not 

the  comprehension,  of  less  in- 
telligent observers  has  been  as 
intently  awakened. 

A young  lady  came  with  an 
excursion  from  a western  town 
in  New  York  State  to  Saratoga. 
She  stayed  the  entire  day  in  the 
Pompeia,  remarking  as  she  left: 
“ If  I never  come  again  to  Sara- 
toga I shall  not  regret  this  time, 
for  I can  see  other  large  hotels, 
but  not  again  a Pompeia.  ’ ’ 

A foreigner,  evidently  a work- 
man, as  he  departed,  said  to  the 
janitor:  “I  have  bought  the 
book”  (Bulwer’s  Last  Days  of 
Pompeii);  1 ' my  boy  will  read  to 
me  the  story,  and  then  I will 
know  all  about  it.” 

These  relations  will  be  kindly 
accepted  for  their  purpose,  as 
has  been  said,  to  demonstrate 
the  benefits,  inestimable  and  in- 
numerable, to  flow  forth  upon 
the  nation,  were  a grand  system 
of  illustration,  realistic  and  beau- 
tiful, supplied  to  the  people  at 
the  Capital. 

There  are  few  more  impressive  instances  of  a conscientious  and  self- 
denying  struggle  for  knowledge,  in  preparation  for  a service  of  supreme 
importance  to  the  American  people,  than  the  economical  travel  of  teachers 
to  Europe.  When  an  excursion  party  jostles  the  costumes  of  the  wealthy 
in  foreign  palaces,  among  them  will  be  seen  the  intelligent  faces  of  earn- 
est women  seizing  with  all  their  souls  the  memorable  but  flitting  impres- 
sions of  the  moment.  My  sympathies  have  been  moved  as  I have  seen 
the  teacher’s  glance  wrested  from  the  most  thrilling  and  instructive 


F.  W.  Smith,  Modeled  1860-1873. 

No.  7. — Photographs  of  models  of  Chinese  Pagoda 
and  the  Campanile  of  Giotto,  Florence.  M. 


EDUCATIONAL  BENEFITS  OF  THE  GALLERIES. 


l9 


object  lessons  in  existence  by  the  summons  of  the  guide  to  “pass  on  ! ” 
What  economies  and  computations  secured  that  brief  visit  after  years  of 
hope  and  anticipation  ! 

A sad  story  is  related  that  two  sisters,  teachers,  some  years  since,  were 
on  a European  round,  when  the  insolvency  of  their  banker  left  them, 
strangers,  with  but  money  enough  to  take  a second-class  passage  home- 
ward immediately.  From  the  anxiety  and  sorrow,  added  to  undue  effort 
of  a delicate  constitution,  one 
sister  died  on  the  passage  and 
was  buried  at  sea. 

Few  communities  in  the 
United  States,  rejoicing  in  the 
mental  acquisitions  of  their 
children,  realize  their  indebt- 
edness to  those  hardly  earned 
travels  of  their  teachers. 

Were  their  reflex  benefits  ap- 
preciated, towns  would,  by 
subscription,  send  teachers, 
and  parishes  preachers,  abroad. 

An  inspiration  from  monu- 
ments of  past  civilizations 
would  henceforth  vivify  their 
conceptions,  to  be  transferred 
to  a new  generation.  Yet, 
returned  from  the  one  grand 
travel  experience  of  their  lives, 

. they  thirst  for  further  study 
of  such  treasures,  and  deplore 
the  barrenness  of  their  coun- 
try of  all  like  material. 

It  is,  therefore,  from  both 
experience  and  observation  at 
home  and  abroad  that  I have 
craved  for  my  country  the  im- 
mediate inauguration  of  a 
grand  National  Institute  of 
Illustration/  It  would  be  a 
boon  of  priceless  satisfaction  to  the  graduates  of  colleges  and  seminaries; 
to  youths,  graduates  of  high  schools,  in  Boston,  Chicago,  and  San  Fran- 
cisco, in  their  aim  toward  further  learning.  The  want  is  now  described  by 
one  who  has  keenly  realized  it,  having  been  taught  in  a day  when  no  les- 
sons in  drawing  were  given  in  the  Boston  High  School;  when  there  was 
no  Lawrence  Scientific  School  in  Harvard  University;  no  Massachusetts 
Institute  of  Technology;  no  School  of  Architecture  in  Columbia  College. 


F.  XV  Smith,  Architect. 

No.  8.— From  the  " Pompeia,"  Saratoga  Springs,  U.  S.  A.; 
a reproduction  of  the  House  of  Pansa,  at  Pompeii, 
buried  by  Vesuvius,  A.  D.  79 ; an  angle  of  the  solarium, 
or  roof  garden.  R. 


20 


MATERIAL,  FOR  REPRODUCTIONS. 


It  is  time  that,  upon  a scale  worthy  the  greatness  of  our  country  and 
the  vast  aggregate  of  its  wealth,  the  pursuit  of  knowledge  and  the 
patronage  of  art  shall  be  facilitated. 

Ships  of  our  Navy  could  be  loaded  rapidly  and  cheaply  with  simula- 
tions of  archaeological  and  architectural  treasures,  such  as  are  listed  in 
the  following  pages.  Reproductions  and  models,  topographical,  anti- 
quarian,  and  architectural,  can  be  made  on  the  spot.  Buildings,  coun- 
terparts of  ancient  and  modern  national  styles,  are  readily  constructed. 
They  have  been  repeatedly  built  and  destroyed  in  successive  international 
expositions. 


I;.  W.  Smith,  Architect. 

No.  9. — Interior  of  the  Pompeia.  View  from  the  atrium.  K. 


The  prediction  is  here  confidently  recorded  that  if  Government  shall 
begin  such  constructions  and  acquisitions  not  a decade  will  pass  before 
buildings  as  extensive  as  those  depicted  will  overflow  with  their  treas- 
ures, and  the  institution  will  lie  the  object  of  national  pride  and  support. 

Finally,  not  in  apology,  but  in  satisfaction,  a further  reason  is  given 
for  this  agitation  of  a new  and  important  sphere  of  govermental  responsi- 
bility and  beneficence. 

The  first  exhibition  of  the  grand  drawing  was  to  a gentleman  in  New 
York,  eminent  in  the  promotion  of  art  by  personal  labor  and  liberality.' 


' Mr.  Henry  G.  Marquand,  president  of  Metropolitan  Museum  of  Art. 


ILLUSTRATION  FROM  THE  POMPEIA. 


21 


At  the  first  glance  he  said,  “ You  are  a hundred  years  before  your  time!” 
The  reply  was,  ‘‘Wait  for  a conference,  and  you  will  alter  your  judg- 
ment.” After  explanation  of  the  scheme,  he  was  asked:  “ If  the  Roman 
court,  as  represented  in  the  drawing,  could  be  supplied  and  filled  as 
proposed,  do  you  not  believe  that  all  the  others  would  follow?”  He 
replied,  ‘‘Yes,  I believe  they  would — quite  rapidly.”  He  added,  ‘‘But 
this  enterprise  hangs  upon  your  life.”  This  remark  has  impressively 
followed  the  writer.  In  the  possibility  that  his  suggestions  may  be  some- 
what in  advance  of  old  institutions,  and  in  conciousness  that  they  may  die 


F.  W.  Smith,  Architect. 

No.  io.— The  Pompeia.  View  of  the  atrium  R. 


at  any  time  with  their  possessor,  he  resolved  upon  this  published  record. 

While  it  invites  discussion  of  the  practical  expedients,  it  pretends  to  no 
precise  knowledge  of  the  technique  in  art. 

In  a rapid  survey  of  the  course  of  human  intellect  through  the  ages,  it 
can  give  but  a glance  at  some  of  its  relics  left  upon  the  highways.  A 
balloonist,  in  his  flight  over  Washington,  could  not  accurately  measure 
the  distance  of  its  Monument  from  the  Capitol,  nor  could  the  artist,  from 
free-hand  sketches  along  the  Atlantic  coast,  supply  precise  charts  of  its 
shores. 


22 


IMPERSONATION  IN  THE  POMPEIA. 


“Glaucus  found  lone  sitting  among  her  attendants,  her  hands  at  her  side,  in  her 
simple  robe,  and  decorated' with  the  costly  jewels  of  the  previous  night.  They  spoke 
of  Greece,  a theme  on  which  lone  loved  to  listen.”  * * * 

* * * “ A shadow  darkened  the  threshold,  and  a young  female  broke  upon  the 

solitude.  She  was  dressed  simply  in  a tunic  that  reached  to  the  ankles.  Under  her 


No.  ii. — Glaucus,  lone,  and  Nydia  in  the  Peristylium.  prom  scenes  in  the  Pompeia  Improvised 
for  Mission  to  the  Poor.  Impersonation  of  scene  from  Bulwer’s  Last  Days  of  Pompeii  in  the 
House  of  Pausa  for  charity. 

arm  she  bore  a basket  of  flowers.  Her  features  were  tnade  more  beautiful  by  their 
beauty  of  expression.  A look  of  resigned  sorrow  had  banished  the  smile,  but  not  the 
beauty,  from  her  lips.  She  was  blind.  ‘Ah,  my  Nydia,’  said  the  Greek,  ‘is  that 
you?’” 

******* 


No.  12. — Restoration  of  the  Roman  Forum.  By  C.  R.  Cockerell,  A.  R.  A. 


NATIONAL  GALLERIES  A NATIONAL  NECESSITY. 


Promote,  as  an  object  of  primary  importance,  institutions  for  the  general  diffusion 
of  knowledge.  In  proportion  as  the  structure  of  a Government  gives  force  to  public 
opinion,  it  should  be  enlightened. — Washington. 

Knowledge  is  the  only  fountain,  both  of  the  love  and  the  principles  of  human 
liberty. — WEBSTER. 


A recent  British  Tory  critic  of  “The  Great  Republic,’’  sums  up  the 
“America  of  to-day”  as  “the  apotheosis  of  Philistinism;  where  the 
people  are  drunk  with  materialism,  and  wealtli  is  a curse  instead  of  a 
blessing.  ’ ’ 

The  malevolence  of  such  an  utterance  is  apparent  and  destroys  its  force. 
Yet  it  will  be  admitted  that  the  genius  and  energy  of  our  people  should 
be  diverted  somewhat  from  financial  to  mental  acquisition. 

Hitherto  the  brain  power  and  industry  of  Americans  have  been  zeal- 
ously devoted  to  the  gain  of  material  riches,  in  which  they  have  surpassed 
their  progenitors  and  contemporaries;  but  although  at  an  average  of 
greater  general  intelligence  than  foreign  nationalities,  yet  in  the  finer  and 
artistic  intuitions  we  are  not  their  equals.  This  disparity  has  been  inevi- 
table in  the  lack  of  environment  to  stimulate  a mpre  refined  cultivation. 
Americans  have  subdued  a wilderness  from  its  wilds,  while  Europeans 
have  dwelt  among  the  monuments  and  treasures  of  former  civilizations. 

It  is  rightfully  argued  that  the  present  rapid  accumulation  of  wealth 
is  ominous  of  the  luxurious  dissipation  that  sapped  the  life  of  former 

23 


NECESSITY  FOR  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


empires.  The  fierce  pursuit  of  mercenary  gain  undermines  integrity 
and  debases  the  moral  standard. 

Americans,  as  “heirs  of  all  the  ages,’’  should  vindicate  the  responsi- 
bility of  their  inheritance. 

What  constitutes  a State  ? 

Not  high-raised  battlement  or  labour’d  mound. 

Thick  wall  or  moated  Gate  ; 

Not  cities  proud  with  spires  and  turrets  crown’d ; 

Not  bays  and  broad-arm’d  ports, 

• Where,  laughing  at  the  storm,  rich  Navies  ride; 

Not  starred  and  spangled  courts, 

Where  low-brow’d  baseness  wafts  perfume  to  pride. 

No:  Men,  high-minded  Men, 

With  powers  as  far  above  dull  brutes  endued, 

In  forest,  brake,  or  den, 

As  beasts  excel  cold  rocks  and  brambles  rude. 

— SirW.  Jones. 

The  present  aggregate  of  our  national  wealth  is  admitted  by  statisti- 
cians to  be  the  greatest  in  the  world.'  It  will  prove  to  have  been  an 
unhealthful  growth  without  ecjual  mental  and  moral  elevation;  a disas- 
trous prosperity,  if  “while  wealth  accumulates,  men  decay.” 

To  counteract  such  tendencies,  there  must  lie  enterprising,  wise,  and 
grand  instrumentalities. 

To  the  measureless  storage  capacity  for  merchandise  through  the  land, 
there  is  needed  one  extensive  addition  at  the  Capital  for  the  world’s 
educational  objects.  Hitherto  we  have  had  only  reports  of  their  silent 
lessons  to  travelers,  instead  of  the  fullness  of  their  inspiration  and  revela- 
tion in  actual  presence. 

An  institution  to  cover  this  deficit  is  the  only  one  of  like  corresponding 
importance  that  has  not  been  initiated  by  our  Government.  It  is  an 
impressive  fact,  in  proof  of  its  necessity,  that  we  are  the  only  power, 
great  or  minor,  like  even  Sweden  and  Denmark,  that  has  not  long  since 
created  its  National  Gallery,  and  supported  it  by  liberal  expenditure. 

The  indifference  and  inaction  of  the  people  of  the  United  States  in  this 
matter,  in  contrast  with  the  zeal  of  other  nations,  are  powerfully  set  forth 
in  the  report  of  Mr.  W.  \V.  .Story  (the  American  sculptor-artist-author, 
at  Rome),  as  United  States  commissioner  to  the  Paris  Exposition  of 
1878.  Extracts  therefrom  are  annexed,  as  a fitting  prelude  upon  the 
importance  of  the  matter  herein  discussed. 

1 Political  economists  have  agreed  that  the  production  of  iron  is  a gauge  of  the 
material  progress  of  a nation.  England  dates  her  rapid  development  of  wealth  from 
the  working  of  her  mines  of  coal  and  iron.  Iron  is  “the  source  and  badge  of  national 
power.”  By  this  standard  of  greatness  the  prestige  of  Great  Britain  has  passed  to 
the  United  States. 

With  such  resources  of  wealth,  the  Republic  should  vie  with  the  mother  country 
in  resources  of  intelligence. 


REPORT  OF  UNITED  STATES  COMMISSIONER  AT  PARIS,  1 878.  25 


A NATIONAL  GALLERY  A NATIONAL  NECESSITY. 


[Extracts  from  the  report  of  the  United  States  commissioner  W.  W.  Story,  resident  at  Rome,  on  the 

French  Exposition  of  1878.] 

* * * America  is  the  only  nation  which,  as  a nation,  has  done 

nothing  to  acknowledge  the  claims  of  art.  Earnest  efforts  have  been 
made  in  some  of  the  principal  cities  of  the  United-States,  and  museums 
have  been  founded  by  private  munificence,  which,  as  far  as  their  funds 
will  allow,  are  endeavoring  to  supply  the  absence  of  all  action  by  the 
nation.  But  these  are  all  local  in  their  character.  They  are  not  national 


No.  13. — The  Pompeia.  View  of  bibliotheca,  with  scrinia,  etc. 


institutions.  No  great  national  academy  or  museum  of  art  exists  to 
confer  honors  and  rewards,  to  educate  students,  or  to  improve  the  public 
tastes.  The  American  artist  therefore  is  forced  to  expatriate  himself 
for  study.  * * * 

* * * If  we  are  a great  country,  as  justly  we  claim  to  be,  let  11s 
behave  like  a great  country.  Is  it  creditable  for  us,  with  all  our  wealth 
and  prosperity,  to  be  without  a great  national  museum  and  academy  of 
art,  such  as  is  to  be  found  in  every  great  capital  in  Europe?  How  can 
we  expect  to  take  rank  with  the  great  nations  of  Europe  when  neither 


26 


LIBERALITY  OF  EUROPEAN  NATIONS. 


our  nation  itself  nor  any  State  or  city  in  the  Union  possesses  a gallery  of 
art  of  which  any  second-rate  government  in  Europe  would  not  be 
ashamed?  While  we  have  nothing,  can  we  without  mortification  look  at 
the  magnificent  collections  abroad  and  consider  the  munificent  manner 
in  which  they  are  supported  and  constantly  enriched  by  public  grants? 
In  England,  besides  the  treasures  of  private  collections,  there  is  the 
National  Gallery,  rich  in  the  most  splendid  works  of  the  greatest 
painters;  the  British  Museum,  adorned  with  the  noblest  relics  of  antique 
sculpture,  vases,  gems,  terra-cotta  ornaments,  bronzes;  the  Kensington 
Museum,  a storehouse  of  treasures  of  the  mediaeval  world  and  of  the 
Renaissance.  Costly  as  these  collections  are,  they  are  constantly  enlarged 
by  munificent  grants  from  Parliament.  Not  a year  passes  that  con- 
spicuous sums  are  not  paid  to  secure  still  additional  treasures.  It  suffices 
that  England  knows  that  anything  of  real  value  and  excellence  is  to  be 
procured,  and  her  purse  strings  are  liberally  opened  to  obtain  it.  Not 
only  this,  large  sums  of  money  are  constantly  granted  to  explore  the  soil 
of  ancient  Greece  and  to  unearth  the  masterpieces  of  antique  sculpture 
and  architecture.  There  is  no  corner  of  the  world  where  she  is  not  pry- 
ing, regardless  of  cost,  to  discover  valuable  relics  of  the  ancient  world  of 
art.  Under  her  auspices  the  soil  of  Halicarnassus  yielded  up  the  last 
sculpture  of  the  famous  Mausoleum.  The  Parthenon  conceded  to  her 
its  glorious  but  defaced  works.  To  her  liberality,  enterprise,  and  deter- 
mination we  owe  it  that  we  still  have  the  massive  sculpture  and  cuneiform 
inscriptions  of  Nineveh — the  Phigalean  marbles.  Besides  these  ‘great 
museums,  it  was  under  her  patronage  that  the  Royal  Academy  was 
founded  as  a national  institution. 

Not  far  behind  her  is  P'rance,  with  her  magnificent  galleries  of  sculp- 
ture and  painting,  covering  acres  of  ground;  with  her  academies  of  art, 
science,  and  literature,  whose  hard-won  honors  are  coveted  throughout 
the  world;  with  her  annual  prizes  to  those  who  distinguish  themselves 
in  art,  her  golden  medals  of  merit,  her  ‘ ‘ Prix  de  Rome.  ’ ’ In  no  grudging 
spirit  she  expends  from  the  public  purse  large  annual  sums  to  add  to  her 
already  rich  collections  of  art,  and  has  built  the  great  palace  of  the 
Trocadero  as  a permanent  gallery  of  retrospective  art.  This  she  has  done 
to  show  the  world  that  the  Republic  does  not  intend  to  be  behind  the  Empire 
m the  liberal  fostering  of  art.  Nor  can  it  be  said  that  all  the  galleries  of 
Europe  are  the  accumulations  of  the  past  only,  and  that  it  would  be 
impossible  for  us  even  to  attempt  a rivalship  in  this  regard  with  the 
nations  of  Iuirope.  The  Kensington  Museum  and  this  very  palace  of 
the  Trocadero,  among  others,  are  a proof  of  the  contrary;  and  still  more 
have  we  an  example  in  Munich  of  what  a large  and  generous  spirit  can 
do  in  our  day.  It  is  within  our  own  recent  memory  that  King  Louis 
founded  the  Glvtothek  and  Piuacotliek  there,  and  created  and  developed 
a new  school  of  art.  This  at  least  is  certain,  that  we  never  shall  make 
any  progress  toward  having  a great  national  museum  or  academy  or 


FOREIGN  MUSEUMS  AND  GALLERIES. 


2? 


school  of  art  until  we  begin  in  earnest.  Up  to  the  present  day  we  have 
not  begun.  How,  then,  can  we  expect  to  have  a national  character  in 

our  art  ? * * * 

As  I lingered  in  the  Trocadero  day  after  day  I could  not  but  sigh  to 
think  how  utterly  America  is  wanting  in  all  these  ancient  spoils  of  time 
and  art.  How  slight  is  the  national  interest  in  all  such  treasures ! 
* * * 

We  as  a nation  have  built  our  house.  It  is  useful.  It  is  commodious. 
To  its  practical  departments  we  have  given  much  thought.  But  art,  as 
yet,  has  no  place  in  it.  * * * We  talk  perpetually  of  our  being  a 

new  country.  * * * A new  country,  forsooth  ! as  if  any  people  of 

Anglo-Saxon  origin — with  all  of  its  world  of  inherited  literature  behind 
it;  with  all  its  history  stretching  back  in  direct  line  two  thousand  years; 
with  all  its  religion  and  law  derived  from  the  past — could  possibly  be 
called  young.  We  are  one  of  the  most  luxurious  nations  in  the  world; 
one  of  the  most  developed  in  all  that  relates  to  convenience  and  the 
practical  recpiirements  of  life;  one  of  the  most  accomplished  in  all  the 
so-called  useful  and  mechanical  arts;  but  in  art  we  have  accomplished 
little,  because  we  have  desired  little.  Use  has  its  buildings  and  habita- 
tions, but  beauty  has  not  yet  its  temple. 


;jJs  lig.y 

[iuiiimutir 

I'r-IIMIIMI, 


ar-j 

. • \ 

1 I 

L ^ 

n?  § 

Mai 

1 ^ 

No.  14.— Exterior  of  the  Trocailero  Galleries,  Paris. 


FOREIGN  GALLERIES  AND  MUSEUMS. 


By  the  disposition  of  a stupendous  wisdom,  moulding  together  the  great,  myste- 
rious incorporation  of  the  human  race,  .the  whole,  at  one  time,  is  never  old,  or 
middle-aged,  or  young;  but,  in  a condition  of  unchangeable  constancy,  moves  on 
through  the  varied  tenor  of  perpetual  Decay,  Fall,  Renovation,  and  Progression. — 

Burke. 


A brief  analysis  of  the  contents  of  foreign  galleries  and  museums  will 
more  clearly  reveal  our  national  destitution.  It  will  also  indicate  the 
elimination  desirable  for  a new,  systematic  institution  in  a utilitarian 
age,  the  extent  and  kind  of  accommodation  demanded,  and  the  adaptation 
thereto  of  the  design  submitted. 

Those  treasures  are  the  accumulation  of  centuries  by  conquest,  pur- 
chase, bequest,  or  pillage.  They  are,  therefore,  the  result  of  no  prior 
selection  or  preconceived  arrangement.  They  present  no  broad  general- 
ization of  the  progress  of  history  and  art,  such  as  is  practicable  by  com- 
mencement dc  novo.  With  a vast  multiplicity  of  objects,  it  will  be  seen 
they  are  incomplete  and  disjointed  for  facile  object  lessons  of  their  story 
of  the  past  in  its  continuity. 

In  order  of  extent  and  value  foreign  galleries  may  for  our  purpose 
take  the  following  rank:  The  Vatican;  the  Pitti  and  Uffizi  galleries;  the 
Louvre;  the  galleries  of  Munich,  Dresden,  St.  Petersburg,  Berlin,  London, 
Naples,  and  Versailles;  the  halls  of  the  British  Museum;  the  School  of 
Fine  Arts,  in  Paris;  the  Cluuy;  the  hemicycle  of  the  Trocadero;  the 
Bavarian  National  Museum;  and  lastly,  yet  preeminently,  the  South 
Kensington  Museum  of  London,  as  the  most  modern,  practical,  and  pro- 
gressive, and  therefore  most  analogous  to  the  scheme  advised. 

Returning  to  the  Vatican,  we  observe  vast  and  incomparable  remains 
of  classic  sculpture,  exhumed  from  the  ancient  Roman  Empire.  They 
comprise  architectural  fragments — statues  of  mythological  gods,  Greek 
28 


FOREIGN  MUSEUMS  AND  GALLERIES. 


29 


and  Roman  celebrities,  bas-reliefs,  sarcophagi,  vases,  inscriptions,  etc. — all 
readily  reproduced  in  casts,  but  all  relating  to  Greek  and  Roman  history. 

The  pictures  of  the  Vatican  Gallery  are  limited  in  number — relating 
to  church  history  and  tradition.  To  this  summary  should  be  added 
the  frescoes  on  the  Loggie  of  Raphael,  an  aggregation  of  pagan  and 
Christian  symbolism,  enriched  with  Greek  ornamentation,  mostly  original 
in  the  Baths  of  Titus. 

These  treasures  offer  unequaled  material  for  the  study  of  classic  life, 
history,  and  art,  though  in  the  fragmentary  manner  of  a museum;  notin 
order  of  subject  or  of  age.  The  paintings  are  reverenced  as  masterpieces — 
a reverence  that  perhaps  has  exaggerated  their  merit — through  the  halo 


No.  15.— Interior  of  the  Trocadero  Gallery  of  Retrospective  Architecture,  with  full  size  portal  of 

Cathedral  of  Amiens. 


of  sacred  corona.  They  are  unsatisfactory  in  color,  especially  the  frescoes, 
which  are  too  faded  for  distinct  recognition.'  The  magnificent  repro- 
ductions of  the  latter  on  copper,  under  the  patronage  of  Popes  Clement 
XII,  XIII,  and  XIV,  are  of  more  practical  value  in  study  of  design. 

The  Pitti  and  Uffizi  galleries  of  Florence  are  immense  collections  of 
paintings  covering  all  subjects  and  periods  from  the  dawn  of  medi- 

1 “ There  can  be  no  doubt  that  while  these  frescoes  continued  in  their  perfection 
there  was  nothing  else  to  be  compared  with  the  magnificent  and  solemn  beauty  of 
this  (the  Sistine)  Chapel.  But  methinks  I have  seen  hardly  anything  else  so  for- 
lorn and  depressing  as  it  is  now — all  dusty,  dusky,  and  dim  ; even  the  very  lights 
having  passed  into  darkness,  and  shadows  into  utter  blackness.’’ — Hawthorne. 


30  SUBJECTS  OP  EUROPEAN  GALLERIES. 

aeval  art.  The  same  is  true  of  the  picture  galleries  of  Paris,  Munich, 
Dresden,  and  Berlin.  From  these  many  canvasses  would  be  rejected  in 
choice  of  a practical  working  gallery  for  modern  work.1  Thousands  of 
pictures  have  places  simply  by  right  of  possession,  as  items  in  collections 
purchased  entire  or  else  for  the  sole  interest  of  age. 

Even  if  all  were  of  high  execution  they  are  in  cumbersome  superfluity 
of  religious  themes.  They  are  the  remains  of  dark  ages,  when  church 
dogmas  and  traditions  held  entire  sway  over  the  human  mind;  when  the 
religious  sentiment  could  find  no  expression  other  than  architecture, 
sculpture,  and  painting. 


No.  16. — Trocadero  Gallery.  Architectural  casts. 

Victor  Hugo,  in  “Notre  Dame  de  Paris,’’  makes  the  archdeacon  of 
the  abbey  turn  from  an  open  Bible,  fresh  from  the  new  press  of  Gutten- 
berg,  to  the  spires  of  the  cathedral  and  utter  the  knell  of  that  form  of 
religious  expression  and  power,  “Ceci  tuera  cela’’  (This  will  kill  that). 
With  the  printing  press  passed  away  the  sacredness  of  countless  rude 
representations  that  had  served  their  purpose  in  a darkened  age. 


1 Five  hundred  and  seven  paintings  in  the  Pitti  Gallery  of  Florence,  including  ten 


ceilings  mythological,  are  in  subject  as  follows: 

Portraits,  unknown,  94;  Portraits,  known,  78 172 

Scriptural,  73;  Holy  Families,  45;  Saints,  68;  Virgins,  55 241 

Fanciful  or  Landscape,  59;  Allegorical,  17;  Mythological,  15 91 

Historical,  only  3 (viz,  Oath  of  Cataliue,  Cleopatra,  Death  of  Lucretius) 3 


507 


FOREIGN  MUSEUMS  AND  GALLERIES.  3 1 

The  Louvre  is  like  the  galleries  of  Florence,  an  enormous  aggregate 
of  paintings  without  order  of  subject  or  date,  and  also  a very  considera- 
ble collection  of  architectural  fragments  and  curios  in  all  departments  of 
knowledge.  But  these  also  are  by  no  means  as  complete  as  they  might 
be  in  their  delineation  of  the  great  historic  periods. 

Incongruity  of  subjects  results  inevitably  from  the  arrangement  by 
schools,  as  generally  in  European  galleries.  For  instance,  the  Salon 
Carre  has  the  “ Marriage  at  Cana,”  by  Paul  Veronese,  introducing 
Francis  I,  Charles  V,  the  Court  Jester,  etc.,  with  two  works  of  Titian, 
his  mistress,  and  The  Entombment. 

An  attempted  historical  series — the  Marie  de  Medicis,  by  Rubens — 23 
pictures,  illustrative  of  her  life  and  reign,  are  an  aggregation  of  mythol- 


No.  17. — Grffico-Roman  Room,  British  Museum. 

ogv  and  allegory.  Thus,  No.  440,  ‘‘The  Marriage  at  Lyons,”  the  city 
of  Lyons  seated  in  a car  drawn  by  two  lions,  Henry  and  Marie  repre- 
sented as  Jupiter  and  Juno. 

The  Glyptothek  (for  sculptures),  and  the  Old  and  New  Pinakothek 
of  Munich,  are  exceptionally  choice  collections  of  art  of  different  periods, 
the  sculpture  being  in  halls  apart  for  distinct  periods  of  the  history  of  art. 
It  is  vain  to  seek  realistic  history  depicted  in  series.  A grand  work, 
‘‘The  Triumph  of  Germanicus,”  and  Kaulbach’s  ‘‘Destruction  of  Jeru- 
salem,” are  the  only  historical  subjects  among  150  masterpieces. 

The  Dresden  Gallery,  one  of  the  finest  and  largest  in  Europe  (about 
2,500  paintings),  has  a proportion  of  religious  subjects  like  that  enumer- 
ated from  the  Pitti  Gallery.  They  are  of  exceeding  value,  by  old  mas- 
ters whose  themes  were  exclusively  sacred. 


32 


SPANISH  AND  FRENCH  GALLERIES. 


The  Madrid  Gallery  is  a noted  exception  to  those  above  cited,  as  a 
selection  of  the  greatest  masters,  surpassing  all  others  in  rarity,  variety, 
and  richness,  for  the  number  on  its  catalogue.  It  is  unrivalled  in 
treasures,  exclusive  of  mediocrity. 

The  picture  galleries  of  Versailles  may  well  bear  upon  their  pediments 
“To  the  glorification  of  France.”  Therein  are  arranged  miles  of  pano- 
ramic paintings  of  the  military  triumphs  of  France,  and  in  exaltation  of 
its  rulers.  Tiresome  in  their  repetitions  of  armies  and  war  paraphernalia 
in  collision  and  confusion,  a few  would  suffice  for  all,  except  for  divers 
names  of  the  many-claimed  fields  of  glory.  The  style  of  these  works, 
however,  is  a model  for  the  scheme  proposed  for  our  country,  as  will  be 
further  particularized.  One  essential  element  for  permanent  approbation 


No.  18. — Halls  of  the  Cluny  Museum,  Paris. 

they  lack — truthfulness.  When  the  surrender  at  Yorktown  is  set  forth 
as  General  Rochambeau  giving  final  orders  for  attack,  while  Washington 
stands  humbly  in  the  door  of  his  tent,  the  license  of  art  has  been  trans- 
gressed. 

In  the  academies  of  Sweden  and  Denmark  are  found  model  institutions 
for  the  encouragement  of  art  in  select  specimens  of  all  schools;  but  above 
all  for  commendation  is  their  provision  for  free  education  of  talented  appli- 
cants at  the  expense  of  the  state.  Not  only  do  the  governments  train 
them  to  highest  proficiency,  but  they  afterwards  patronize  them  in  pur- 
chases for  the  galleries.  The  national  purse  also  sends  pupils  abroad  for 
study.  Hence,  Swedes  and  Danes  have  taken  highest  rank  on  the  Con- 
tinent in  decorative  departments  of  art,  and  fill  many  continental  profess- 
orships. Professor  Nordenberg,  at  the  head  of  the  Dusseldorf  Academy, 


FOREIGN  MUSEUMS  AND  GALLERIES.  33 

is  a Swede.  These  facts  will  furnish  suggestions  in  the  latter  details  of 

our  subject. 

The  Bavarian  National  Museum,  the  hemicycle  of  the  Trocadero,  and 
the  Cluny  of  Paris  have  enviable  material  for  eliminition. 

The  first  of  these  contains  objects  of  art  and  mechanism  in  great 
variety  from  the  Roman  period  to  the  present  day,  systematically  and 
chronologically  arranged.  The  halls  have  frescoes  illustrative  of  Bava- 
rian history,  and  are  filled  with  wares,  implements,  casts,  tapestries, 


No.  19. — A pavilion  of  the  Louvre,  Paris. 

furniture,  architectural  fragments,  glass,  reproductions,  carvings, 
weapons,  costumes,  armor,  musical  instruments,  models  of  ships,  build- 
ings, fortifications,  and  cities,  ceramics,  textiles,  laces,  bronzes,  vessels 
in  silver,  cabinets,  mosaics,  ivories,  forgings,  relicpiaries,  enamels,  charts, 
parchments,  altars,  bas-reliefs,  coins,  medals,  locks,  toys. 

The  mention  of  toys  in  this  connection  savors  of  burlesque.  \ et  the 
lead  toys  found  in  the  foundations  of  Roman  houses  indicate  the  forms 
of  Roman  armor.  Jewelry  in  the  Roman  Museum  at  Homburg,  from 
S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  2 3 


34  THE  BRITISH  AND  KENSINGTON  MUSEUMS. 

the  Praetorian  camp  on  the  Saalburg,  betokens  the  national  symbolism. 
Such  valuables  are  constantly  brought  to  light,  and  are  in  the  market  by 
reliable  antiquaries.  In  this  institution  we  have  one  of  the  most  admi- 
rable examples  for  some  departments  of  the  proposed  institute. 

The  British  Museum  is,  in  the  first  place,  a library  of  unrivalled  value. 
Its  invaluable  collection  of  marbles  and  casts  is  very  incomplete  in  chro- 
nological arrangement  for  lack  of  area.  Its  caves  have  been  packed  for 
a quarter  of  a century  with  original  remains;  stored  for  want  of  room. 
Casts  of  these  have  been  exhibited  for  the  first  time  in  other  countries, 
as  was  the  fact  with  bas-reliefs  for  a Roman  altar  in  the  Pompeian  house 
at  Saratoga. 


No.  20. — Extenor  of  the  Louvre,  Paris. 

The  Trocadero  has  an  exhibit  hitherto  unequalled  of  architectural 
ornament  of  the  Middle  Ages,  comprising,  in  full  proportion  and  detail, 
casts  of  portals,  columns,  pulpits,  capitals,  screens,  caryatides,  gargoyles, 
etc.,  of  the  most  elaborate  execution. 

Finally,  the  Kensington  Museum  in  London  surpasses  all  others  for 
its  object  lessons  in  art.  It  is  a magnificent  creation,  commenced  with 
the  profits  of  the  World’s  Fair,  in  Hyde  Park,  in  1851,  of  /’150, 000. 
Its  benefits  have  been  so  conspicuous  that  it  commands  the  unanimous 
support  of  the  Kingdom,  even  in  such  lavish  outlay  as  majolica  plates 
at  2,000  to  3,000  guineas  ($10,000  to  $15,000)  each.  It  is  the  grandest 
triumph  of  the  intellectual  enterprise  of  the  British  nation.  It  is  steadily 


FOREIGN  MUSEUMS  AND  GALLERIES. 


35 


enlarged  by  the  demands  upon  it.  Vast  piles  are  succeeding  each  other 
to  receive  the  overflow  of  its  acquisitions.  Its  entire  scheme  may  well 
be  adopted  by  our  country,  and,  as  we  shall  argue,  enlarged,  perhaps 
with  greater  economy  in  some  departments  of  costly  curios  and  greater 
expenditure  in  others,  demanded  by  the  industrious  status  of  our  people. 
Its  predominance  is  in  its  objects  of  ornamental  art  as  applicable  to  manu- 
factures. Wide  as  is  its  scope,  and  marvelously  rich  and  extensive  as 
are  its  collections,  it  is  yet  short  of  the  facilities  demanded. 

It  is  to  be  supplemented  by  the  Imperial  Institute,  in  honor  of  the 
Victorian  Jubilee. 


As  the  Kensington  Museum  is  the  most  modern,  most  extensive  and 
prosperous  of  institutions  with  its  purposes,  and  therefore  supplies  the 
most  valuable  example  for  repetition,  I sent  to  London  for  the  best  publi- 
cation upon  its  history  and  development.  It  was  a pleasant  surprise  to 
receive  from  the  bookseller  “Travels  in  South  Kensington,”  by  M.  D. 
Conway,  a familiar  American  name.  It  is  an  instructive  and  elegant 
resume  of  the  origin  and  present  wealth  of  the  museum.  The  author 
will  be  gratified  to  know  that  his  work  may  aid  in  preparation  for  like 
“travels”  by  his  countrymen  through  their  National  Gallery. 

To  Mr.  Conway  is  due  acknowledgment  for  additional  details,  as 
follows : 

The  buildings  resulting  from  the  appropriation  of  $5,000,000  now  con- 
tain collections  worth  at  least  $ 20,000,000 . Added  to  purchases  by  the 


36 


THE  KENSINGTON  MUSEUM. 


Government  there  have  been  unceasing  donations  of  invaluable  private 
collections,  which  “gravitate  to  it,  and  the  buildings  are  constantly 
expanding.”  Present  constructions  show  a prospective  embarrassment 
for  space  in  an  early  future,  beyond  all  possibility  of  permanent  order  and 
system,  such  as  are  provided  for  in  the  plan  for  the  National  Galleries.1 

More  than  i ,000,000  people  visit  the  museum  annually. 

In  1844  there  were  but  three  museums  of  like  character  in  Great 
Britain;  now  they  are  in  every  large  town.  Roman  remains  are  being 
uncovered  and  preserved  throughout  England. 

The  museum  received  a donation  of  4,854  engravings  from  the  Louvre. 


No.  22. — School  of  Fine  Arts,  Paris.  Hall  of  Casts. 


A novel  and  enterprising  provision  is  of  Circulating  Museums  from 
the  Kensington,  collections  being  sent  abroad  in  the  country  to  awaken 
curiosity  and  study.  In  responsive  return,  the  museum  has  constantly 
loan  collections  on  exhibition,  bringing  perpetual  variety  and  novelty 
that  secure  repeated  visitation. 

Mr.  Conway  makes  this  interesting  record  for  encouragement  in  this 
beginning:  “I  remarked  to  a gentleman  connected  with  the  museum 
at  its  origin,  that  I had  heard  various  American  gentlemen  inquiring 
whether  such  an  institution  might  not  exist  in  their  own  country,  and  he 
said:  ‘Let  them  plant  the  thing  audit  can’t  help  growing,  and  most 
likely  beyond  their  powers — as  it  has  been  almost  beyond  ours — to  keep 

'Superb  aud  extensive  additions  were  commenced  in  1899. 


FOREIGN  MUSEUMS  AND  GALLERIES.  37 

up  with  it.’”  Further  valuable  encouraging  and  advisory  statements 
are  given  that  will  be  important  for  future  reference. 

Sir  Sydney  Waterlow1  remarked  in  St.  Augustine,  that  Mr.  Cole  (now 
Sir  Henry  Cole,  K.  C.  B.)  was  thought  visionary,  as  doubtless  he  antici- 
pated, when  first  he  agitated  his  conception  for  the  museum  as  a wise 
departure  and  complement  beyond  the  British  Museum,  then  assumed  to 
be  the  ne  plus  ultra.  Afterwards  there  were  reports  of  competition  by 
the  latter  in  purchases.  Now,  as  the  result  of  the  increased  craving  for 
knowledge,  both  institutions  are  struggling  with  the  vastness  of  their 
accretions  and  activities.  The  Natural  History  Department  of  the 
British  Museum  has  been  removed  to  a new  and  immense  structure  in 
South  Kensington. 


No.  23. — Design  for  New  British  Imperial  Institute. 


The  grand  system  of  the  service  and  Art  Department  of  the  Kensing- 
ton Museum  for  the  promotion  of  instruction  therein  throughout  the 
Kingdom  by  monetary  grants  in  aid  of  “local  efforts  for  founding  schol- 
arships and  exhibitions,”  or  “in  aid  of  a new  building  or  the  adaptation 
of  any  existing  building,”  will  ultimately  be  imitated  in  our  country. 
The  museum  disburses  the  principal  part  of  the  $1 ,500, 000, 2 annually 
appropriated  by  the  British  Government  for  its  support  in  these  subsi- 
dies for  instruction. 

It  is  a confident  prediction  that  our  nation  will  rapidly  awaken  to  its 
interests,  and  with  such  energy  in  execution  that  not  another  generation 
will  pass  until  all  that  is  herein  cited  shall  be  in  active  beneficence,  to 
keep  pace  henceforth  with  incessant  progress. 

Its  citation  as  an  example  is  emphasized;  for  its  inception,  its  rapid 

’The  recent  munificent  donor  of  Waterlow  Park  to  London. 

“This  appropriation  for  the  annual  support  of  the  Kensington  Museum  in  1889 
was  doubled  in  1899,  i.  e. , ,£600,000  or  53,000,000. 


38 


SUBSTITUTIONS  AVAILABLE  FOR  AMERICA. 


expansion,  and  present  magnitude  demonstrate  that  in  the  vastness  of 
the  institution  herein  advocated,  from  the  wealth,  progress,  intelligence 
and  promise  of  our  nation,  there  is  nothing  chimerical. 

From  the  above  review  of  foreign  art  and  antiquarian  collections 
abroad,  it  is  seen  that  none  of  them  supply  illustrations  of  the  historic 
periods  of  the  human  race,  seiiatim.  One  only  attempts  it  for  a single 
nation,  and  almost  exclusively  in  the  line  of  military  glory,  that  of  Ver- 
sailles. The  etchings  of  its  paintings  are  properly  styled  ‘ ‘ Gallerie 
Historique  de  Versailles.  ’ ’ 

A survey  of  material  in  Europe  makes  apparent  the  impossibility  of 
duplication.  If,  therefore,  there  can  be  no  substitution,  Americans 
must  forever  be  deprived  of  educational  facilities  common  to  European 
communities. 

Upon  study  of  this  contingency,  the  writer  believes  that  the  depriva- 
tion can  be  compensated,  and  that  by  practical  employment  of  art;  by 
liberal  importation  of  casts  and  models,  and  especially  by  ingenuity  in 
restoration  of  monuments  and  structures,  the  illustration  of  the  past  may 
be  amplified  and  enlivened  in  the  New  World  to  a grandeur  and  useful- 
ness beyond  all  precedents. 

We  will  now  in  imagination  construct  American  National  Galleries, 
and  then  by  its  further  aid  forecast  their  occupation. 


Section  of  Proposed  Galleries  of  History  and  Art. 

(For  elevations  in  perspective,  see  frontispiece.) 


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DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  DESIGN  AND  PLAN. 


I shall  * * * straight  conduct  ye  to  a hill-side,  where  I will  point  ye  out  the 

right  path  of  a virtuous  and  noble  education;  laborious,  indeed,  at  the  first 
ascent,  but  else  so  smooth,  so  green,  so  full  of  goodly  prospect,  and  melodious 
sounds  on  every  side,  that  the  harp  of  Orpheus  was  not  more  charming. — Milton. 

Earth  proudly  wears  the  Parthenon  as  the  best  gem  upon  her  zone.  — Emerson. 

Since  it  (architecture)  is  music  in  space,  it  is,  as  it  were  a frozen  music. — Schell- 
ING. 

The  design  exhibits  eight  courts  and  galleries,  viz,  Egyptian,  Assyrian, 
Creek,  Roman,  Byzantine,  Mediaeval, .Saracenic,  and  East  Indian,  sur- 
mounted by  American  galleries  for  illustration  of  the  history  of  the 
United  States,  and  a memorial  Parthenonic  temple;  this  temple  to 
contain  a hall  of  the  Presidents,  an  American  Walhalla,  such  as  stands 
to-day  in  grandeur  and  beauty  of  marble  upon  a hilltop  of  the  Danube, 
a proud  manifestation  of  the  patriotism  and  artistic  inspiration  of  the 
Bavarian  people. 

Its  colonnade  may  ultimately  range  the  horizon  as  a counterpart  to 
the  stately  dome  of  the  Capitol — the  one  an  expression  of  the  highest 
constitutional  wisdom,  the  other  of  its  resultant  intellectual  development 
of  a nation. 

The  courts  are  to  contain  reproductions  in  full  size  of  dwellings,  tem- 
ples, monuments,  etc.,  of  their  respective  nationalities,  typical  of  their 
religion,  life,  and  art. 

It  is  proposed  that  the  ranges  of  galleries  inclosing  the  courts  be  filled 
with  mural  paintings,  illustrating  in  its  orderly,  chronological  succession 
the  history  of  the  peoples  whose  architecture  is  shown  upon  their  walls, 
similar  to  the  pictorial  history  of  Bavaria  in  the  National  Museum  in 
Munich,  the  side  corridors  being  filled  with  casts  and  models,  archi- 
tectural, artistic,  and  historical,  supplying  abundant  material  for  eluci- 
dation in  study. 

The  galleries  to  be  built  of  fine  Portland  cement  sand  concrete,  pre- 
cisely the  material  already  tested  in  the  great  hotel  constructions  in 
St.  Augustine,  the  Stanford  Museum  in  California,  and  the  Pompeia  at 

4i 


42 


DESCRIPTION  OF  DESIGN  AND  PLAN. 


Saratoga  Springs.  The  cheapness  of  concrete  construction  as  less  than 
that  of  ordinary  brickwork  has  already  been  proven  by  the  constructions 
above  named. 

The  entire  range  of  galleries  will  demand  ultimately  60  to  70  acres 
of  land. 

The  courts  for  reconstructions  cover  4 to  5 acres  each. 

The  entire  floor  area  of  galleries  is  about  40  acres,  or  8 acres  less  in 
surface  than  one  building  of  the  Chicago  Exposition.  The  cost  of  all 
constructions  finally  completed  in  concrete  will  not  be  over  $10,000,000, 
one-half  that  of  Philadelphia  City  Hall. 

The  facade  will  lie  continuous  for  1 ,200  feet;  more  than  one-half  longer 
than  the  Capitol,  750  feet. 

While  the  design,  in  the  combined  perspective  of  its  parts,  equals  or 
excels  in  grandeur  the  National  Capitol,  it  is,  in  fact,  composed  of  the 
most  simple  and  durable  constructions  possible  for  their  purposes,  viz, 
ranges  of  galleries  of  one  story  with  basement,  terraced  upon  a hillside. 

The  National  Galleries  of  the  American  Republic,  it  is  proposed,  shall 
surpass  in  architectural  grandeur  and  extent  all  similar  constructions; 
but  while  grandly  monumental  in  effect  they  shall  lie  thoroughly  utili- 
tarian as  an  educational  institution.1  All  expenditure  in  their  creation 
will  be  in  economical  use  for  intellectual  elevation  of  the  people. 

Crowning  a height  is  represented  the  Parthenon,2 one-half  greater  than 
the  original  at  Athens,  with  other  temples  of  the  same  pure  and  stately 
order,  all  for  commemoration  of  Presidents  and  patriots  of  the  United 
States  of  America. 

At  the  right  and  the  left  of  the  commemorative  temples  will  be  colon- 
nades for  the  promenade  of  the  people,  that  they  may  look  down  upon 
a “marble  population”  of  the  great  and  good  of  the  nation,  as  did  the 
Greeks  upon  their  gods  and  heroes. 

The  irregular  constructions  that  covered  the  steep  hills  of  Rome  are 
herein  replaced  by  galleries  and  porticos,  as  systematic  and  lieautiful  in 
aspect  as  they  will  have  been  unsurpassed  in  extent. 

Descending  from  the  esplanade  of  the  Parthenon,  successive  terraces 
support  galleries  and  courts  proportioned  to  the  extent  and  importance 
of  historic  periods  and  races,  for  orderly  delineation  of  life  and  art 
through  the  ages — Egyptian,  Assyrian,  Greek,  Roman,  Byzantine,  East 
Indian,  Mediaeval,  and  Saracenic. 

These  will  present  the  amazing  grandeur  that  arose  from  the  Forum 
of  Rome  to  the  summit  of  the  Capitoline  Hill.  From  their  colossal 
portal  extends  a Via  Sacra,  through  memorial  colums  and  arches. 

This  sketch  limns  a vision  of  the  splendor  of  Athens  in  the  Peri- 
clean  age;  for  it  is  an  appropriate  fact  to  recall  that  the  structures 
which  were  the  glory  of  all  antiquity,  which  have  been  models  for  all 
subsequent  ages  as  combining  “ a perfection  of  solemn  and  wondrous 


1 Addenda. 


Addenda  No.  3. 


THK  AMERICAN  ACROPOLIS. 


43 


harmony,”  were  from  the  impulsion  of  a democracy,  conceived  and 
wrought  under  one  master,  Phidias,  in  the  time  of  Pericles,  in  a period 
of  thirteen  years. 

It  will  be  a transcendent  honor  for  our  Republic  if  it  shall  celebrate  a 
century  of  progress  by  creations  which  shall  win  from  posterity  the  trib- 
ute of  Demosthenes  to  the  Athenians  : 


No.  25. — The  colonnade  of  the  Forum  of  Pompeii,  restored  ; for  the  Portico  of  American  Gallerie 

on  the  Potomac. 


Our  ancestors  were  inspired  not  by  the  desire  of  wealth,  but  by  the  love  of  glory; 
and,  therefore,  they  have  left  us  immortal  possessions — the  memory  of  illustrious 
deeds  and  the  beauty  of  the  works  consecrated  to  them. 

P'ive  centuries  later  Plutarch  wrote  : 

These  works  appear  at  the  present  time  fresh  and  newly  wrought;  the}'  seem  to 
wear  the  bloom  of  perpetual  youth;  its  glow  untouched  by  time,  as  if  they  breathed 
the  breath  of  immortality  anr^  had  a soul  that  age  could  never  reach. 

In  these  courts  should  be  reproduced  structures  typical  of  the  highest 
development  in  the  respective  styles.  The  Byzantine  of  St.  Sophia,  the 


44 


DESCRIPTION  OF  DESIGN  AND  PLAN. 


Gothic  of  the  Carapo  Santo,  the  tracery  of  the  Alhambra,  and  the  pierced 
screenwork  of  the  Taj,  will  be  grouped  in  superb  proximity,  and  with 
effective  contrast  to  the  overshadowing  dignity  and  grandeur  of  classic 
and  Egyptian  orders.1  It  will  inspire  enthusiasm  to  study  realistic  por- 
trayals of  ancient  life  in  the  restored  architectural  environment  of  each 
nationality,  exclusive  of  all  modern  surroundings. 

In  the  inclosures  of  the  galleries  should  be  placed  reproductions  such 
as  herein  mentioned,  and  casts  in  concrete  of  antiquarian  remains.  For 
instance,  the  early  Christian  crosses  of  Iona  and  other  places  in  England 
and  Ireland,  full-sized  specimens  of  rich  fountains,  cloisters,  the  gorgeous 
portals  of  Spain,  etc.  The  effect  may  be  superb,  mingled  with  verdure 
and  herbage. 


•■Ji-TVRES 

SECTION  .f  GALLERIES 


Renwick,  Aspinwall  & Rcssell,  Architects. 
No.  26.— A Constructional  Section  of  the  Galleries. 


Reproductions  of  the  divers  nationalities  should  serve  as  museums  of 
their  life,  manners,  industries,  etc. 

Houses  of  the  ancients  should  be  reproduced,  like  the  Pompeian  home 
of  Pansa,  at  Saratoga,  with  apartments  revealing  their  domestic  life, 
manners,  religious  symbolism,  art  industries,  etc. 

Instead  of  a house  of  Pansa,  a dwelling  from  a small  provincial  city, 
there  should  be  recreated  the  house  of  Scaurus  as  elaborated  by  Mazois, 
a Roman  palace  of  great  extent  and  grandeur  that  would  moderate  our 
estimate  of  modern  attainments.  It  would  reveal  the  excellence  of  art 
and  the  splendor  even  of  domestic  architecture  that  were  annihilated  by 

’This  variety  may  suggest  incongruities  of  mixed  architecture.  The  proposed 
height  of  the  galleries  with  their  basements  will  screen  the  contents  of  each  court, 
in  the  silhouette  of  the  sky  line,  except  with  domes,  towers,  and  columns,  which 
can  be  selected  to  enhance  the  general  effect. 


REPRODUCTIONS  PROPOSED. 


45 


the  deluge  of  northern  barbarians  upon  the  Roman  world,  as  was  Pompeii 
entombed  by  Vesuvius.  Such  realistic  revelations  would  be  tangible  to 
those  ignorant  of  the  glowing  pages  of  Gibbon,  and  waken  curiosity  to 
hunt  the  facts  of  history. 

A mediaeval  castle  should  have  its  banqueting  hall,  and  gather  the 
arms,  furniture,  metal  work,  etc.,  of  its  age.  Indian  gorgeousness 
should  be  shown  with  the  traceried  ornamentation  of  the  Orient. 

The  Kensington  Museum  has  original  interiors  of  rooms  from  Cairo 
and  Damascus,  with  their  jalousies  and  lattices,  but  miserably  placed  in 
a dark,  low,  narrow,  and  crowded  hall.  Instead  of  two  rooms,  the 
National  Galleries  of  the  United  States  should  have  a house  of  full  pro- 
portions, with  all  the  elaboration  of  oriental  handiwork  and  the  gorgeous- 
ness  of  the  harem. 


R.,  A.  & R.,  Architects. 

No.  27. — Roman  Pantlieon  and  Lecture  Halls. 


In  such  details  Europe  would  have  no  advantage.  By  proper  juxta- 
position of  articles  only  is  their  purpose  revealed.  The  Moucharabieh 
that  screens  the  women  of  the  East  may  as  well  be  bought  in  Cairo  for 
Washington  as  for  London.  In  the  show  case  of  a museum  objects  are 
often  meaningless  that  would  have  great  interest  in  proper  environment. 

These  creations  would  be  the  utmost  possible  compensation  to  the 
great  majority  of  the  people,  who  in  the  limits  of  economy  can  not  range 
the  earth  for  either  study  or  pastime. 

They  would  be  substitutions  for  the  monuments  of  the  Old  World, 
which  are  themes  for  admiration- and  romance.  By  their  combination  in 
their  respective  surroundings  they  would  outweigh  all  existing  works 
for  the  inspiration  and  stimulus  of  genius. 


46 


DESCRIPTION  OF  DESIGN  AND  PLAN. 


The  accommodation  of  the  constructions  above  proposed  on  60  acres  of 
land,  it  is  believed,  is  clearly  vindicated  by  facts,  comparisons,  and  statis- 
tics appended. 

It  is  seen  that  the  galleries  are  of  simple  and  uniform  design,  of  eco- 
nomical form,  of  cheap,  yet  enduring  material,  and  are  without  external 
ornamentation. 

The  plan  provides  for  16,000  feet  range  of  picture  galleries  and  40,000 
feet  range  of  corridors  for  statuary,  casts,  models,  etc. 

The  galleries  in  part  will  have  basements  for  storage,  workshops,  etc., 
with  basements. 


R.,  A.  & R , Architects. 
No.  28. — Greek  Theater. 


The  central,  or  picture,  galleries  have  top  light,  and  may  be  the  counter- 
part of  the  Louvre;  the  corridors  would  have  side  light,  as  in  the  Vatican. 

When  the  16,000-feet  range  of  picture  galleries  is  divided  among  eight 
periods  or  nationalities,  an  average  of  about  2,000  feet  to  each,  with 
allowances  for  entrances,  alcoves  for  seats,  etc.,  it  will  be  seen  to  be 
a minimum  estimate,  especially  for  the  historical  series  of  paintings  and 
other  pictorial  object  lessons  hereinafter  proposed. 

The  corridors  (halls  for  casts,  models,  and  the  field  covered  by  the 
Bavarian  National  Museum  above  cited)  will  rapidly  overflow,  in  accord 
with  all  precedents. 

The  basement  stories  throughout  the  structures  will  be  indispensable. 
Extensive  shops  would  be  required  for  the  multiplication  of  all  objects 
practicable  for  distribution  to  local  institutions  throughout  the  land,  as 
now  such  treasures  are  distributed  by  England  and  France. 1 

1 It  was  a mortification  to  find  the  ateliers  of  the  mouleur-en-chef  of  the  Louvre, 
and  even  the  half-underground  passages  thereto,  crowded  with  cases  for  American 
institutions  and  citizens,  of  casts  to  be  imported  at  an  expense  of  100  per  cent  with 
the  tariff  tax.  These  long  since  should  have  been  supplied  from  our  national  insti- 
tutions. It  was  a greater  aggravation  to  the  writer  to  be  taxed  40  and  60  per  cent 
upon  bronzes,  terra  cottas,  etc.,  for  importation  of  replica  from  Pompeii,  and  to  be 
assessed  likewise  upon  architectural  models  for  the  Pompeia  from  the  British 
Museum,  the  Louvre,  and  Ecole  des  Beaux  Arts,  of  Paris.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that 
such  fines  upon  artistic  and  educational  work  for  our  country  will  soon  be  relieved, 
and  that  art  will  be  free. 


TIIE  CONSTRUCTIONS. 


47 


There  would  be  a chief  moulder  and  staff,  as  at  the  Louvre;  potteries 
and  kilns  for  terra  cotta;  photograph  and  electrotype  departments; 
modelers  in  clay,  plaster,  and  wood;  receiving  and  shipping  offices, 
storerooms,  guardians’  quarters,  etc. 

It  is  claimed  as  a special  merit  of  the  present  design  that  it  provides 
for  future  enlargement  in  harmony,  both  architectural  and  practical, 
with  the  existing  buildings,  and  without  disturbance  of  all  previous 
material  for  rearrangement  with  accessions. 

The  ground  plan  of  the  Kensington  Museum— crowded,  awkward, 
irregular — is  already  obstructive  by  its  limits,  as  stated  iu  its 
publications. 


R.,  A.  & R.,  Architects. 

No.  29. — Au  Exterior  Angle  Tower. 


Extracts  from  “The  Preface’’  of  a “Catalogue  of  the  Casts  from 
the  Antique  iu  the  South  Kensington  Museum’’: 

The  principal  objects  aimed  at  in  the  formation  of  the  historically  arranged 
Museum  of  Casts  from  the  antique  are: 

I.  To  give  the  artist  the  opportunity  of  studying  the  best  representatives  of  the 
different  periods  of  Greek  Art. 

II.  To  provide  the  archaeologist  with  the  indispensable  means  of  studying  his 
science  and  of  illustrating  his  lectures. 

III.  Relates  to  advantages  afforded  to  students. 

IV.  To  inform  amateurs  who  are  about  to  visit  foreign  museums  where  the  best 
remains  of  ancient  plastic  art  are  to  be  found.  [We  would  bring  casts  of  all  these 
“best  remains”  at  once  to  our  National  Gallery.] 

V.  Relates  to  the  educational  influence  upon  the  public. 

But  au  explanatory  note  adds  an  important  caution.  Although  the 
catalogue  numbers  but  271  specimens  of  the  thousands  that  can  be 


48 


DESCRIPTION  OF  DESIGN  AND  PLAN. 


cheaply  commanded,  and  refers  students  to  foreign  museums  for  others, 
yet  the  area  is  confusedly  crowded.  It  is  said: 

The  arrangement  is  in  the  main  chronological.  We  say  in  the  main,  because  the 
gallery  assigned  to  the  collection  does  not  admit  of  this  arrangement  being  rigidly 
adhered  to.  The  larger  reliefs  have  had  to  be  placed  out  of  their  proper  sequence 
on  the  walls  as  suitable  space,  considerations  of  light,  etc.,  determined. 

The  government  of  the  British  Museum  is  embarrassed  with  its  riches 
in  the  Townley  marbles  and  other  accumulations.  The  building  that 
was  supposed  ample  for  the  library  and  natural-history  collection  and 
museum  must  be  given  only  to  books. 

The  museums  of  Boston  and  New  York  have  made  their  moderate 


R.,  A.  & R.,  Architects. 

No.  30. — Entrance  Pavilion  in  Colonnade. 


growth  in  about  thirty  years  for  the  lack  of  space.  As  soon  as  an 
addition  is  obtained  it  is  filled.  The  contents  of  the  Cluny  and  the 
Trocadero  museums  crowd  their  premises. 

Versailles,  almost  exclusively  a gallery  of  paintings,  lias  a range  of 
1,300  feet,  repeated  probably  ten  times,  say  13,000  feet  on  different 
floors,  and  by  the  side  walls  of  apartments  built  for  bed  chambers,  ball 
rooms,  and  banqueting  halls,  yet  it  is  compactly  filled.  Its  historical 
series  numbers  1,204  paintings,  probably  requiring  2 miles  in  range  for 
proper  exhibition.  The  National  Library  of  France  covers  3^  acres, 
demanded  for  books  and  their  use.  The  new  National  Library  at 
Washington  covers  4 acres  in  a plot  of  6 acres  of  ground. 


FRENCH  GALLERIES. 


49 


The  School  of  Fine  Arts  in  Paris  has  its  dark  attics  packed  under 
rafters  to  the  eaves  with  valuable  casts  that  can  only  be  selected  by  the 
crouching  of  the  purchaser  with  the  dim  light  of  a candle. 

The  catalogue  of  the  Louvre  objects  moulded  for  sale  numbers  1,169 
specimens,  and  includes  Egyptian , Assyrian,  Ninevite,  and  Phoenician 
relics,  as  well  as  classic  and  modern.  In  the  latter  it  is  rich  of  the 
French  School,  Jean  Goujon,  German  Pilon,  etc. 

Brucciani,  of  London,  offers  1,489  specimens  upon  sale,  besides  the 
catalogue  of  the  British  Museum  of  reproductions  of  ancient  marbles, 
bronzes,  etc.,  Egyptian,  Assyrian,  and  the  famous  fragments  of  the 
Parthenon,  the  Mausoleum  of  Halicarnassus,  etc. 

The  Assyrian  sculptures  number  60  slabs,  averaging  about  30  square 


■f  .1 


B.  M.  Goodhue,  Pinxt. 

No.  31.— Court  of  the  Lions,  Alhambra,  for  Arabic  Court. 

feet  each  of  surface.  These  figures  illustrate  the  capacity  demanded  for 
such  exhibitions,  even  in  fragments. 

These  60  bas-reliefs,  many  of  them  7 to  8 feet  in  length,  are  offered  for 
^308  ($1,540),  packed  for  shipment. 

The  Vatican  contains  a museum  of  twenty  courts.  It  is  an  irregular 
mass  of  buildings,  covering  a space  1,200  feet  long  by  1,000  feet 
broad,  of  several  stories.  The  buildings  enlarged  in  emergency  are  very 
irregular  in  plan.  * 

Its  galleries  of  vast  extent  are  filled  with  but  one  class  of  archteologi- 
cal  remains.  Before  reaching  the  main  entrance  a corridor,  2,000  leet 
in  length,  is  walled  with  ancient  Pagan  and  Christian  inscriptions.  This 
S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  2 4 


50 


DESCRIPTION  OF  DESIGN  AND  PLAN. 


exceeds  in  length  the  entire  range  of  galleries  proposed  for  the  illustra- 
tion of  Roman  history;  but  the  plan  provides  on  either  side  the  same 
range  for  the  casts  of  statuary  and  divers  objects. 

The  galleries  should  also  be  utilized  extensively  for  topographical 
models  of  the  Acropolis,  the  Forum,  etc.  These  are  the  most  tangible 
realizations  possible  of  the  relative  size  and  position  of  objects. 

The  model  of  the  Pueblo  of  Zuny,  in  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  is 
an  admirable  specimen  of  such  works.  It  is  upon  a small  scale,  yet  it 
measures  18  feet  6 inches  by  9 feet  6 inches.  Beneath  are  boxes  of 
implements  and  pottery  that  should  be  seen  with  it;  unopened,  for  want 
of  space.  The  cast  of  the  Aztec  Sacrificial  Stone,  in  the  Smithsonian 


B.  W.  Goodhue,  Designer. 

No.  32. — Taj  Mehal  for  Indian  Court. 


Institution,  measures  10  feet  in  diameter,  and  the  calendar  is  12  feet 
wide.  Such  models  are  not  costly,  and  for  them  a large  area  should  be 
anticipated. 

The  walls  of  the  corridors  should  supply  ample  space  also  for  casts  of 
inscriptions.  Most  lilieral  selections  should  be  brought  from  the  Chris- 
tian Museum  of  the  Lateran,  founded  as  lately  as  Pius  IX;  its  Christian 
sarcophagi  of  the  fourth  and  fifth  centuries;  its  inscriptions  and  paint- 
ing from  the  Catacombs.  Pictures  of  these  in  boolA  give  no  such  vivid 
impressions  as  exact  counterparts  in  size,  color,  and  perspective.  Such 
thrilling  memorials  of  eras  from  which  flowed  and  widened  the  tides  of 
modern  civilizations  should  be  precisely  duplicated. 


CONTENTS  OF  THE  CORRIDORS. 


51 


Systematic  search  for  inscriptions,  etc.,  is  now  made  with  great  zeal 
throughout  the  territory  of  ancient  Greece.  Cyrene,  Halicarnassus, 
Rhodes,  Ephesus,  and  other  places  have  been  explored  by  the  English; 
Athens,  by  Greeks  and  English;  Olympia,  by  Greeks  and  Germans; 
Cyprus,  by  General  Cesnola,  and  other  sites  by  French  and  Germans. 

The  American  .School  at  Athens,  it  was  expected,  would  secure  the 
concession  of  an  exploration  of  Delphos.  Unfortunately,  the  subscrip- 
tion of  $80,000  was  too  late,  and  the  French  secured  the  opportunity. 
It  is  now  at  work  upon  Corinth.  ■ 

There  are  now  preserved  from  20,000  to  30,000  Greek  inscriptions, 
from  which  most  valuable  literary  and  archaeological  data  have  been 


R.,  A.  & K.,  Architects. 

No.  33. — Gothic  Hall  ill  Gothic  Court. 


secured.  It  is,  indeed,  to  be  desired  that  Americans  may  yet  secure  a 
share  of  these  scholastic  records  and  relics. 

In  further  vindication  of  the  scale  for  the  National  Galleries,  compara- 
tive measurements  and  areas  are  given. 

The  Capitol  of  the  United  States  has  a frontage  of  751  feet  by  324 
feet,  covering  with  porticoes  and  steps  153,1 12  square  feet,  or  3^  acres 

Square  feet. 

The  American  Parthenon  (upon  the  plan)  covers  with  its  por- 


ticoes 200  feet  by  450  feet 90, 000 

The  American  Galleries  with  porticoes  cover 165,000 


255,000 

But  the  walls  of  these  buildings  inclose  only  132,125  square  feet,  or 

less  than  3 acres. 


52 


DESCRIPTION  OF  DESIGN  AND  PLAN. 


/ 

The  parallelogram  of  the  old  and  new  Louvre  of  Paris  covers  2,640 
feet  (more  than  half  a mile)  by  1,008  feet  in  width.  With  the  Tuile- 
ries,  the  buildings  covered  24  acres — an  area  repeated  more  than  four 
times  in  different  floors — that  is,  there  must  have  been  more  than  100 
acres  of  flooring.  Deducting  the  portions  used  for  governmental 
departments,  there  must  be  a much  larger  area  of  gallery  and  museum 
space  occupied  than  in  the  American  institute  designed.  Yet  its  halls 
are  packed;  its  basements  crowded  with  its  ateliers  and  storage. 

And  this,  it  should  lx?  remembered,  is  but  one  of  the  French  museums, 
besides  Versailles,  the  Cluny,  the  Luxembourg,  etc. 

The  illustrations  of  Roman  history,  proposed  for  a historical  series  of 
paintings,  would  need  a range  of  2,000  feet. 

The  art  gallery  of  The  Hermitage,  St.  Petersburg,  measures  515  feet 
by  375  feet.  Its  two  floors  therefore  equal  5,150  feet  of  range  of  gal- 
leries, 75  feet  in  width.  The  Palais  de  1 ’Industrie,  Paris,  for  exhibition 
of  works  of  art,  is  800  feet  long  and  1 15  feet  high. 

It  is  not  expected  that  the  entire  range  of  buildings  would  be  immedi- 
ately completed.  But  the  above  facts  prove  that  the  vast  galleries  pro- 
posed are  no  exaggeration  for  the  inevitable  demand.  The  experience  of 
all  existing  similar  institutions  vindicates  their  necessity. 


In  strength  and  durability  no  masonry,  however  hard  the  stone  or  large  the  blocks, 
could  ever  equal  these  Roman  walls  of  concrete;  for  each  wall  was  one  perfect 
coherent  mass,  and  could  only  he  destroyed  by  a laborious  process  like  that  of  quar- 
rying hard  stone  from  its  native  bed. — Encyclopaedia  Britannica. 

It  is  self-evident  that  structures  of  the  National  Galleries  should  he — ■ 

First.  Imperishable  by  fire  or  decay. 

Second.  Impervious  to  moisture  or  vermin. 

Third.  Independent  of  external  repairs. 

These  are  essentials. 

Most  desirable  for  permanent  satisfaction  is  an  architecture  of  standard 
purity  in  design,  of  dignity'  and  beauty  in  effect. 

These  essential  requirements  must  be  found  in  the  nature  of  the 
material.  Alone  to  be  named  for  these  qualities  are:  (i)  Stone  or 
marble;  (2)  brick;  (3)  concrete. 

They  are  named  in  the  order  of  general  popularity,  but  in  the  reverse 
order  of  real  value. 

Experience  has  demonstrated  that  their  order  of  merit  for  the  above 
requirements  is:  (1)  Concrete;  (2)  brick;  (3)  stone  or  marble. 

After  the  fire  in  Chicago  a commission  investigated  the  comparative 


fireproof  qualities  of  material  in  the  ruins,  and  reported  their  order  as: 
(1)  Concrete;  (2)  brick;  (3)  stone.  The  Boston  fire  swept  streets  of 

' “ Sublimity  is  nearly  impossible  in  brickwork.  The  smallness  of  the  material  is 
such  a manifest  incongruity  with  largeness  of  parts  that  even  the  Romans,  though 
they  tried  hard,  could  never  quite  overcome  the  difficulty.”  KkrguSON. 

‘‘The  ancients  used  brick,  cased  over  with  plaster  as  smooth  as  glass.” — Rollin. 
Such  was  the  construction  of  the  Baths  of  Caracalla,  etc.;  vast  and  magnificent  piles. 
It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  late  national  buildings  along  the  future  park,  from  the 
Capitol  to  the  Potomac,  do  not  rise  in  grandeur  above  the  factories  of  Lowell  in  the 
poverty  of  their  brick  walls. 


53 


54 


concrete  construction. 


granite  blocks  into  ruins  even  more  quickly  than  if  the}-,  had  been  of 
wood.  Sheets  of  flame  spread  over  ranges  of  granite  warehouses;  slates 
flew  into  fragments;  the  iron  beams  and  girders  warped  and  bent,  while 
the  stone  blocks  cracked,  tumbling  the  so-called  fireproof  piles  into 
heaps  of  ruins  before  the  wooden  floor  beams  were  half  consumed. 

By  concrete  is  commonly  understood  a conglomerate  of  broken  stone 
or  gravel,  sand,  and  cement,  according  to  the  formulas  of  General  Gill- 
more  and  other  authorities.  For  the  use  herein  debated  for  construc- 
tions above  ground  is  intended  a finer  concrete  of  sand  only  with  Portland 
cement , as  more  dense,  therefore  less  porous,  and  presenting  a finer  and 


F.  W.  Smith,  Architect. 

No.  34. — Villa  Zorayda  The  first  concrete  building  in  St.  Augustine.  1882. 


more  uniform  surface  and  tint  than  the  coarser  mixture.  Facts  are 
appended  in  demonstration  of  the  values  in  ordinary  concretes  both  in 
ancient  and  modern  use.  For  foundations  it  is  universally  accepted  as  of 
greatest  value.  Fortifications  arid  large  structures  of  the  highest  class, 
the  Washington  Monument,  the  Bartholdi  Statue,  etc.,  are  based  on  con- 
crete. The  Hotel  Metropole,  London,  has  a foundation  of  concrete, 
reenforced  by  “65  miles  of  band  iron.” 

But  in  walls  above  ground  there  is  less  familiarity  with  its  use,  and 
custom  excites  timidity  in  its  adoption. 

The  sand  and  Portland  cement  concrete  proposed  was  the  material 


qualities  of  concrete. 


55 


used  in  the  construction  of  the  Villa  Zorayda  and  the  Hotel  Casa- Monica,1 
in  St.  Augustine,  there  with  a fraction  of  “coquina”  or  shell.  It  was 
employed  in  the  Pompeia  at  Saratoga  Springs,  on  the  exterior  wall  and 
for  pavement,  and  in  the  interior  for  columns,  architraves,  etc.  These 
have  withstood  the  severe  frosts  of  ten  winters  in  Saratoga  absolutely 
unaffected,  except  to  increased  hardness.  The  facade  is  a concrete 
facing  upon  brick,  precisely  upon  the  Roman  method,  and  all  its  lines 
and  angles  are  as  perfect  as  when 
finished  in  1889. 

Blocks  of  the  material  left  upon 
the  ground  since  that  date  show 
no  effect  whatever  of  temperature 
or  storms  more  than  granite  or 
marble.  I11  fact,  many  stones 
used  for  building  purposes  in  the 
United  States  cleave  by  frosts. 

The  steps  upon  the  east  front  of 
the  Capitol  are  wrecked  by  lateral 
cleavage  in  seams,  and  must  soon 
be  restored.  Concrete  staircases 
may  be  seen  in  Geneva,  Switzer- 
land, for  ascents  from  the  streets, 
as  solid  and  homogeneous  as  flint. 

It  has  been  used  sufficiently  to 
demonstrate  its  solidity  and  strength ; its  increasing  hardness  beyond  any 
natural  stone ; its  resistance  to  cold  at  20  degrees  below  zero ; its  capa- 
bility to  receive  any  required  tint  in  color  except  white,  and  its  cheapness 
against  brickwork. 

The  use  of  concrete  has  lately  been  familiar  in  cities  for  pavemdnts 
which  are  exposed  to  the  most  severe  action  of  frost.2  Fortunately  the 
latitude  of  Washington,  with  its  gentle  climate,  dispenses  with  mucl 
expense  against  this  risk. 

In  its  adoption  we  are  returning  not  only*  to  the  examples  of  tlu 

■The  original  name  of  this  construction  is  recalled  for  its  significance  and  tendei 
historical  associations.  “ Casa ’’—house,  “Monica”— the  name  of  the  mother  o: 
St.  Augustine.  Vide  “ The  Confessions  of  .St.  Augustine,”  in  allusion  to  her  death 

2 Washington  and  other  cities  are  being  paved  largely*  with  a coarse  concrete,  in 
place  of  granite  and  North  River  slate.  The  superiority  of  concrete  above  natura 
stone  flagging  is  thoroughly  proven  by  contrasts  of  the  two  on  Farragut  Square 
and  the  next  block  southward,  where  the  latter  is  scaled  into  large  pockets  holding 
water. 

The  approaches  to  the  new  Armory  at  Saratoga  Springs,  the  terrace  rail  and  tenni 
nal  posts,  the  curbing,  and  12-inch  waterway  will  be  constructed  of  the  best  Port 
land  cement  and  gravel ; i.  e.,  concrete.  The  same  material  is  used  in  the  construe 
tion  of  over  200  miles  of  sidewalks  in  Minneapolis,  and  stands  the  temperature  o) 
40  degrees  below  zero  without  cracking  or  springing.  But,  as  above  stated,  the  con 
Crete  for  walls  above  ground  would  be  of  much  finer  and  stronger  components. 


F.  W.  Smith,  Architect. 

No.  35. — Zorayda.  The  first  concrete  arch  in  St 
Augustine. 


56 


ROMAN  CONCRETE  CONSTRUCTION. 


ancients,  but  of  modern  Europe,  where  dwellings,  bridges, and  aqueducts 
are  entirely  built  thereof. 

A Mausoleum  Company,  of  Brooklyn,  prepared  plans  for  a structure 
of  marble  and  concrete  350  feet  square,  three  stories  below  ground,  and 
two  or  three  stories  above  ground,  with  a tower  160  feet  in  height  and 
on  the  main  floor  a memorial  hall. 

Concrete  was  the  most  important  of  all  the  materials  used  by  the  Romans. 

* * * Barge  spaces  were  covered  with  vaults  and  domes,  cast  in  a semifluid 

concrete.  * * * The  enormous  vaults  of  the  great  thermae  and  the  like  cover 


F.  W.  Smith,  Architect. 
No.  36. — Vestibule,  Zoravda. 


their  spaces  with  one  solid  mass  like  a metal  lid,  giving  the  form  but  not  the  principle 
of  the  arch,  and  thus  allowing  the  vault  to  he  set  on  walls,  which  would  have  been 
at  once  thrust  apart  had  they  been  subjected  to  the  immense  leverage  which  a true 
arched  vault  constantly  exerts  on  its  imposts.  * * * 

Massive  walls  were  cast  in  a mould ; a sort  of  box  of  planks  held  by  upright  tim- 
bers into  which  the  semifluid  mass  was  poured.  When  this  was  set,  the  timbers 
were  removed  and  refixed  on  the  top  of  the  concrete  wall  ; then  fresh  concrete  was 
poured  in,  and  this  process  was  repeated  till  the  wall  was  raised  to  the  required 
height.  In  some  cases  the  whole  wall  to  the  top  was  cast  in  this  way  and  the  brick 
facing  was  omitted;  i.  e.,  the  building  was  wholly  of  concrete.  * * * About  3 
feet  high  appears  to  have  been  the  average  amount  of  wall  raised  in  a day. 


concrete  construction. 


57 


A reference  to  fig.  41  of  the  Casa-Monica  in  construction  will  show 
how  precisely  Roman  concrete  methods,  as  above  described,  were  illus- 
trated upon  a large  scale  in  1887. 

The  enormous  dome  of  the  Pantheon,  142  feet  6 inches  in  space,  is  cast  in  con- 
crete; being  one  solid  mass,  it  covers  the  building  like  a shell,  free  from  any  lateral 
thrust  at  the  haunches.  The  walls  of  the  Pantheon  are  of  concrete,  with  a facing 
of  bricks.  Steps  in  the  Forum  had  concrete  coves,  which  remain.  Pedestal  coves 
of  concrete  also  remain.  The  circular  podium  around  the  temple  of  Vesta,  about 
10  feet  high,  of  concrete,  still  exists.  The  great  platform  in  Nero’s  palace  and  the 
pyramid  of  Cestius  are  other  of  the  many  remains  of  concrete  in  ancient  Rome. — 
Encyclopaedia  Britannica,  last  edition. 


F.  W.  Smith,  Architect. 

No.  37. — Zorayda.  interior.  A monolith  of  concrete.  Walls  and  galleries  of  concrete.  Arches  faced 

with  traceries  of  the  Alhambra. 


In  the  recent  extension  of  the  Via  Nazionale  in  Rome,  the  concrete 
foundations  of  the  house  of  Sallust  were  encountered,  and  it  was  neces- 
sary to  blast  them  with  dynamite. 

The  opinion  of  Mr.  James  Renwiek  upon  the  expediency  of  the  use 
of  concrete  for  the  National  Galleries  is  stated,  as  follows: 

Rknwick,  Aspinwaet,  & Russell,  Architects, 

7/  Broadway , New  York,  January  2r,  1891. 

Franklin  W.  Smith,  Esq. 

My  Dear  Sir:  In  answer  to  yours  of  the  iotli,  in  which  you  desire  me  to  give  an 
opinion  as  to  the  value  of  concrete,  or  beton,  as  it  is  called  by  the  French,  as  a 
building  material,  and  a history  of  its  use,  I would  state  that  concrete  was  used  by 


CONCRETE  CONSTRUCTION. 


58 

the  Romans,  and  also  in  small  quantities  by  the  architects  of  the  Middle  Ages.  In 
modern  times,  owing  to  the  discovery  of  cements  and  hydraulic  limes  and  the  per- 
fection of  these  manufactures,  it  has  been  used  much  more  than  previously,  and  this 
is  due  to  its  great  value  in  moist  as  well  as  dry  foundations,  and  also  to  the  fact  that 
it  will  set  under  water,  and  for  building  purposes  because  it  is  more  durable  than 
sandstones,  and  as  durable  as  marble  or  granite.  Concrete  is  Composed  either  of  a 
mixture  of  hydraulic  lime,  cement,  and  sand,  or  of  cement  and  sand  and  broken 
stones,  or  broken  bricks  or  gravel. 

Its  use  for  foundations  is  now  almost  universal.  l:or  superstructures  it  has  also 
been  largely  used.  The  be/on  Coignet  has  been  extensively  used  in  Prance  in  the 
great  aqueduct  which  supplies  Paris,  in  which  it  is  carried  across  the  depression  in 
the  woods  at  Fontainebleau  by  arches  of  beton,  one  of  which,  of  80  or  more  feet  in 
span,  crosses  the  public  highway.  A church  has  also  been  built  of  it  from  founda- 


No.  38. — Concrete  residence  of  Mr.  W.  E.  Ward,  Port  Chester,  N.  Y.  1873-77 


tion  to  the  top  of  the  spire,  and  houses,  pavements  of  streets,  and  the  cavalry  bar- 
racks at  Paris  are  also  made  of  this  material. 

In  Germany  many  houses  are  built  of  it  entirely,  with  the  steps  of  the  same 
material.  The  great  breakwaters  in  the  Mediterranean  at  Alexandria  and  Port  Said 
are  of  concrete,  which  is  made  in  the  form  of  a cube  of  about  6 feet  6 inches,  and 
thrown  into  the  sea. 

In  this  country  biton  Coignet  was  used  by  me  for  all  the  interior  walls  of  the 
Cathedral  of  New  York  except  the  columns  and  traceries,  which  are  of  marble,  and 
was  exposed  for  years  to  the  action  of  the  weather  without  damage.  Many  houses 
also  are  faced  with  this  material,  colored  to  resemble  brownstone.  The  arch  in 
Prospect  Park,  in  Brooklyn,  is  also  of  this  material,  and  the  underpinning  of  many 
of  the  bridges  on  the  Erie  Railroad,  the  masonry  of  which  has  been  damaged  by 
floods,  in  which  it  was  very  successful. 

The  material  of  which  it  is  proposed  to  build  the  National  galleries  is  better  than 
this,  as  it  is  made  of  Portland  cement  and  not  of  hydraulic  lime  and  sand.  It  will 


CONCRETE  CONSTRUCTION.  59 

stand  a very  great  pressure  and  is  stronger  than  many  building  stones;  it  can  be  made 
in  any  color,  except  white.  It  has  been  used  with  great  success  in  St.  Augustine, 
where  there  is  not  other  material  easily  procurably  which  is  durable,  and  it  ought  to 
be  used  much  more  largely,  as  it  is,  in  addition  to  its  durability,  the  cheapest  known 
material.  If  mixed  by  machinery,  the  walls  of  a building  can  be  built  for  22  cents 
a cubic  foot;  more  than  10  cents  less  than  common  brickwork.  For  columns,  cornices, 
doors,  windows,  and  all  moldings  and  ornaments,  its  relative  expense  is  at  least 
from  one-third  to  one-half  that  of  cut  stone,  as  after  the  molds  are  made  the  whole 
work  can  lie  done  by  unskilled  labor.  For  a great  public  building,  such  as  the 
National  Gallery,  it  is,  therefore,  the  most  economical  material  that  can  be  used. 

With  regard  to  the  height  and  dimensions  of  the  galleries,  I would  advise  a base- 
. ment  from  10  to  15  feet  high,  depending  upon  the  position  chosen  for  the  building, 
with  the  galleries  above  it,  which  should  be  from  30  to  40  feet  in  width.  As  the 
plan  is  drawn  with  colonnades  for  statuary,  etc.,  on  each  side  of  the  galleries,  this 


No,  39. — Interior  of  Mr.  Ward’s  house. 


Floor,  walls,  and  celling  oi  concrete. 


wsi ; > 


will  keep  all  objects  of  interest  on  the  same  level.  The  basements  can  be  used  for 
workshops  and  apartments  for  the  officers  and  employees  of  the  institution,  and  in 
some  cases  may  be  omitted  if  the  ground  on  which  the  building  is  placed  requires  it. 
I have  no  doubt,  in  my  own  mind,  that  this  plan  is  the  most  convenient  and  best 
adapted  to  the  purposes  for  which  the  building  is  to  be  used.  * * * 

Yours,  truly, 

James  Renwick.' 

The  massive  and  extensive  concrete  residence  of  Mr.  W.  E.  Ward,  of 
the  iron  manufacturing  firm,  Russell,  Burdsdall  & Ward,  Port  Chester, 
N.  Y.,  of  which  illustrations  47  and  48,  is  a scientific  and  practical 
proof  of  the  adaptation  of  the  material  to  general  construction. 

1 A further  extract  from  the  letter  of  Mr.  Renwick  is  placed  with  the  consideration 
of  cost. 


6o 


CONCRETE  CONSTRUCTION. 


Before  the  commencement  of  the  work,  Mr.  Ward  made  tests  and 
experiments  with  the  material  at  large  expenditure  of  thought,  time,  and 
money.  These  investigations  were  made  in  1871-72,  and  published  in 
Transactions  of  the  American  Society  of  Mechanical  Engineers  at  the 
regular  meeting  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  1883.  The  following  is  an  extract 
from  the  report: 

When  all  doubts  were  removed  concerning  the  reliability  of  the  several  combina- 
tions of  materials  required  in  the  construction,  a building  embracing  the  following 
radical  new  features  was  erected  (during  four  years,  1873-77),  for  dwelling  pur- 
poses, near  Port  Chester,  N.  Y.  Not  only  the  external  and  internal  walls,  cornices, 
and  towers  of  the  building  were  constructed  of  bdton,  but  all  of  the  beams,  floors, 
and  roofs  were  exclusively  made  of  beton,  reenforced  with  light  iron  beams  and 
rods. 

Furthermore,  all  the  closets,  stairs,  balconies,  and  porticoes,  with  their  supporting 
columns,  were  molded  from  the  same  material,  the  only  wood  in  the  whole  struc- 
ture being  window  sashes  and  doors,  with  their  frames,  moss  boards,  and  the  stair  rails, 
thus  excluding  everything  of  a combustible  nature  from  the  main  construction. 

Beton  can  be  used  in  any  form  of  construction,  and  is  able  to  serve  the  require- 
ments of  any  architectural  or  decorative  effects,  etc. 

On  the  261th  of  January  last,  I wrote  Mr.  Ward  asking  whether  he  had 
discovered  any  cause  for  qualifying  his  judgment  as  to  the  value  of 
beton  for  a reliable  building  material. 

He  replied  February  3,  as  follows: 

No,  sir.  1 have  not  found  through  experience  and  close  observation  any  reason  for 
qualifying  my  opinions  of  the  superior  excellence  of  beton  as  a first-class  building 
material,  and  only  wonder  that  after  the  complete  success  of  my  big  experiment 
the  building  public  are  so  slow  in  adopting  it  more  generally. 

In  a subsequent  letter  (March  7,  1891)  Mr.  Ward  wrote: 

I am  unable  to  emphasize  its  merits  as  strongly  as  it  deserves. 

For  such  a structure  as  you  propose  to  build,  and  as  you  aim  to  realize  equal 
duration  in  all  parts,  I would  certainly  construct  the  roof  out  of  the  sqme  material. 

Mr.  Ward  made  his  roof  of  large  slabs  of  concrete  resting  on  the  sup- 
porting walls  with  paper  (slip)  joints,  to  admit  of  expansion  and 
contraction. 

The  history  of  the  extensive  concrete  constructions  in  St.  Augustine 
is  interesting,  and  the  facts  involved  therein  are  conclusive  as  to  the 
expediency  of  its  use  for  the  National  Galleries.  In  the  winter  of  1882, 
while  in  Spain,  I decided  to  build  a winter  home  in  St.  Augustine  after 
the  model  which  the  experience  of  centuries  had  proved  desirable  in 
semitropical  countries. 

An  oriental  house  of  wood  would  be  an  anachronism;  yet  there  was 
no  stone  in  Florida.  To  freight  it  from  the  North  would  be  an  extrava- 
gance. At  Vevay,  on  Lake  Geneva,  subsequently,  thedilemma of  material 
was  relieved.  In  the  neighborhood  a chateau  was  in  construction.  Con- 
crete partition  walls  4 inches  thick  were  being  cast  of  the  rubbish,  bricks, 


F.  W.  Smith,  Architect. 

No.  40. — The  “ Casa-Monica,”  St.  Augustine.  Concrete  of  sea  sand  with  Portland  cement. 


62 


CONCRETE  CONSTRUCTION. 


etc.,  left  from  the  main  walls,  in  a wooden  boxing.1  Near  by  Grecian 
balusters  were  being  cast  of  fine  sand  and  cement  in  iron  molds,  very 
rapidly,  with  unskilled  and  cheap  labor.  The  problem  was  solved.  I 
saw  henceforth  an  age  of  stone  for  St.  Augustine  instead  of  pitch-pine 
wood. 

In  the  following  Decemlier,  with  a Boston  mason,  experiments  were 
made,  and  the  first  concrete  blocks  of  coquina  sand  and  Portland  cement 
were  cast  in  St.  Augustine  for  the  Villa  Zorayda.  They  are  preserved 
as  valuable  relics.  Then  the  first  course  around  the  lines  of  the  dwell- 
ing herein  depicted  was  laid  in  planks  io  inches  high  and  filled  with  the 
mixture.  In  two  days  a range  of  handsome  smooth  stone  was  revealed. 
It  was  followed  by  another  immediately,  and  these  layers  hardened 


R.  W.  Smith,  Architect. 

No.  41. — The  “ Casa-Moiiica  ” in  construction. 


sufficiently  to  allow  the  raising  of  the  walls  a course  every  other  day. 
The  partition  walls  were  cast  in  with  the  main  walls  in  even  courses, 
also  the  arches  of  the  court,  so  that  the  building  is  practically  a mono- 
lith. Arches  like  the  first  cast,  as  seen  in  the  illustration  (PI.  45),  were 
reenforced  and  anchored  to  the  walls  by  round  iron  rods.  „ The  outer 
walls  were  cored  with  an  air  chamber,  by  a board  buried  in  the  boxing 
and  then  raised,  like  a boat’s  centerboard,  before  the  concrete  hardened. 
In  thirty  days  the  walls  were  as  hard  as  any  building  stone,  and  in  a 
year  as  defiant  of  a drill  as  granite. 

'“Even  party  walls  of  small  rooms  [of  Roman  houses]  are  not  built  solid,  but 
have  a concrete  core  faced  with  brick  triangles  about  3 inches  long.  ” Encyclopaedia 
Britannica. 


INTERIOR  CONCRETE  DETAILS.  6} 

The  result  is  a building  that  can  hardly  be  excelled  for  durability, 
solidity,  and  richness  in  effect,  dryness,  and  fireproof  qualities.  Fire- 
places cast  in  concrete  have  withstood,  to  the  date  of  this  writing, 
occasional  fires,  during  eight  winters,  of  live-oak  wood,  without  as  much 
impression  as  would  have  been  made  upon  fire  brick. 

, The  famous  and  extensive  constructions  of  concrete  in  St.  Augustine 
followed,  and  now  it  is  in  universal  use,  not  only  for  first-class  and  rich 
buildings,  but  for  fence  posts,  sidewalks,  chimney  flues,  etc.,  and  the 
piers  beneath  the  poor  man’s  cottage,  formerly  built  of  bricks  from  the 
North  at  double  the  cost. 


F.  W.  Smith,  Architect. 

No.  42. — A chimney  ami  mantelpiece  of  concrete  in  the  drawing-room  of  the  Hotel  Casa  Monica, 

St.  Augustine. 

The  Casa-Monica,  of  which  illustrations  are  annexed,  stands  as  a 
superb  illustration  of  concrete.  A facade  of  above  400  feet,  a tower  of 
100  feet  in  height,  balconies,  arches,  cornices,  battlements,  etc.,  are  a 
homogeneous  mass  of  solid  and  elegant  stone.  It  was  a new  departure 
in  this  building  to  use  the  sea  sand  simply  dredged  from  the  flats  of  the 
harbor,  having  not  more  than  one-tentli  of  the  coquina.  It  was  found 
that  the  finer  the  material  the  more  dense  and  uniform  in  color  the  result. 
This  building  challenges  comparison  with  any  in  the  United  States  for 
the  desiderata  of  a first-class  stone  construction,  and  especially  with 
its  ornamentation  and  impressive  grandeur  illustrating  the  Spanish 
castellated  and  the  Hispano- Moresque  forms — for  its  cost. 


64 


CONCRETE  CONSTRUCTION. 


F.  W.  Smith,  Architect. 

No.  43. — Moorish  arches  in  the  Court  of  Villa  Zorayda,  showing  the  Alhambresque  tracery. 

The  Museum  of  the  Stanford  University,  California,  next  to  the  Memorial  Chapel, 
will  he  the  most  important  edifice  on  the  grounds.  It  will  be  300  feet  in  length, 
three  stories  in  height,  and  the  entire  structure  from  foundation  up  walls,  floors, 
and  roof — is  to  be  of  concrete  and  twisted  iron,  the  whole  edifice  to  be  molded 
into  a single  monolithic  structure,  without  seam,  break,  or  joint.  The  bars  of  iron 
embedded  in  the  concrete  are  immovably  held  at  every  point  by  the  enveloping 
material,  and  thus  impart  their  own  tensile  strength  to  the  concrete,  which  obviates 
the  necessity  for  great  thickness  or  heavy  weight,  especially  since  it  is  found  that 
bars  of  iron  subjected  to  cold  twisting  gain  largely  in  tensile  strength. 


The  annexed  illustration  proves  the  availability  of  fine  concrete  for 
ornamental  details.  It  shows  a chimney  and  mantel  in  the  Casa  Monica 
with  supporting  brackets,  all  of  fine,  washed  sand  and  cement. 

The  Caryatides  are  of  Florence  carved  walnut.  The  tiles  (Spanish 
from  Valencia)  are  set  in  the  concrete. 

This  material  can  claim  no  patent  right.  It  is  as  old  as  Roman  con- 
struction, and  long  familiar  in  our  country  in  coarse  work.  But  its  use  for 
fine  details  with  a purpose  of  utmost  endurance  has  slight  precedent  pre- 
vious to  its  introduction  in  St.  Augustine. 


J 


SPECIMENS  OF  CONCRETE  COLUMNS. 


65 


Thus  a precursor  of  what  is  proposed  for  the  National  Galleries  precisely 
illustrates  the  present  theory  in  advance , by  the  liberality  and  independent 
enterprise  of  Senator  Stanford. 

Stones  placed  in  contact  with  merely  joints  of  mortar  have  no  bond, 
such  as  exists  in  concrete  held  throughout  an  entire  range  by  embedded 
iron.  The  former  will  not  resist  settlement  of  sections  or  the  shocks  of 
earthquakes;  the  latter,  better  than  any  known  material  or  expedient, 
will  resist  both.  Doubtless  this  was  one  reason  for  the  adoption  of  con- 
crete, reenforced  by  iron,  for  the  Stanford  Museum. 

It  may  be  observed  that  the  fagade  of  the  Villa  Zorayda  (fig.  34)  is 
nearly  in  three  detached  sections.  If  really  separate,  the  least  jar  of 
earthquake  or  the  slightest  settlement  would  be  made  apparent.  For 
security  against  either,  the  sections  are  bound  by  embedded  railroad  bars 
through  the  entire  width  of  the  building.  Considering  that  earthquakes 
have  shattered  a city  as  near  to  Washington  as  Charleston,  this  contin- 
gency, not  anticipated  at  the  commencement  of  the  Capitol,  is  worth 
consideration.  The  writer  hopes  to  set  up  in  Washington  within  a few 
months  specimen  columns,  cast  in  concrete,1,  that  will  be  their  own  evi- 
dence of  the  qualities  asserted,  viz,  that  such  construction  is  monolithic, 
homogeneous;  that  it  increases  its  tensile  and  crushing  strength  continu- 
ously with  time,  and  that  it  can  take  readily,  cheaply,  and  permanently 
any  precise  tint  demanded  for  beauty,  except  white. 

It  will  be  said  that  such  material  is  an  imitation  of  stone.  It  is,  in 
fact,  a stone,  although  of  artificial  creation. 

Unquestionably,  as  Ferguson  has  stated,  value  enters  into  our  concep- 
tion of  greatness  and  richness.  The  semblance  of  the  Kohinoor,  be  it 
absolutely  indistinguishable  in  its  precision,  can  not  satiate  our  curiosity 
to  look  upon  the  great  original  diamond.  But  in  wise  use  of  our  capital 
we  shall  not  rival  monarchical  ambition. 

Fortunately  the  essential  elements  desired — sublimity  and  duration  as 
its  complement — are  both  supplied  by  the  modern  perfection  of  cement 
in  its  chemical  affinity,  producing  rock. 

In  all  great  imitative  creations  we  satisfy  ourselves  with  slight  sem- 
blances compulsively.  A painting  is  but  a thin  and  perishable  phantom 
of  the  everlasting  hill  or  of  the  ocean  that  rollest  now  “ such  as  creation’s 
dawn  beheld.” 

The  dome  of  the  Invalides  is  only  a film  of  gold  in  thickness;  but  Dr. 
Holmes  overheard  Sirius  mistaking  the  gilded  dome  of  the  capitol  of 
Massachusetts,  in  Boston,  as  a stranded  satellite  that  had  lost  its  way. 

The  Athenians  were  content  with  a plating  of  real  substance  for  the 
colossal  ivory  and  gold  statue  of  Athena  in  the  front  chamber  of  the 
Parthenon;  yet  that  and  the  Olympian  Jupiter  have  ranked  as  the 
grandest  human  conceptions  realized  in  art. 

The  Warrior  Goddess  was  made  of  plates  of  ivory  upon  a core  of  wood 

1 Examples  supplied  1898-99  in  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients, 

S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  2 5 


66 


CONCRETE  CONSTRUCTION. 


or  stone  for  the  flesh  parts,  oil  which  was  laid  the  drapery,  etc.,  of  gold. 
Previous  to  Phidias,  colossal  statues,  when  not  of  bronze,  had  head, 
hands,  and  feet  of  marble,  while  the  body  was  of  wood.  Yet  to  the 
great  masters  of  Greece  “doth  mankind  owe  its  knowledge  of  the 
beautiful.” 

Terra  cotta  is  a molded  material,  but  is  now  an  established  artistic 
resource,  and  has  gained  general  acceptance  since  its  first  prominent  use 
of  late  years  in  the  exterior  bas-reliefs  of  the  Poston  Art  Museum.  To 
the  aesthetic  sense  a molded  bas-relief  is  a greater  contrariety  in  sculpture 
than  a molded  brick  or  molded  plinth  in  architecture. 

The  magnificence  of  Rome,  enduring  through  the  ages,  even  in  its 
ruins,  was  original  in  brick  and  concrete  to  a great  extent.  Augustus, 
it  is  written,  found  Rome  of  stone  and  left  it  in  marble.  Its  stone  was 
principally  artificial ; its  marble  was  a plating  upon  walls  of  brick  or 
concrete. 

“Even  marble  buildings  were  usually  coated  with  a thin  layer  of  fine, 
white  stucco,  nearly  as  hard  and  durable  as  the  marble  itself — a practice 
also  employed  in  the  finest  buildings  of  the  Greeks — probably  l>ecause  it 
formed  a more  absorbent  ground  for  decoration. 

“Stone  columns  coated  in  this  way  were  called  columnce  dealbatse.” 

The  exterior  of  the  Taj,  at  Agra,  and  the  interior  of  the  Alhambra,  at 
Granada,  are  generally  admitted  to  be  the  most  fascinatingly  beautiful  in 
the  world.  The  latter  has  exhausted  superlatives  of  admiration  from 
Irving  to  Amicis.  Its  exquisite  traceries  have  stood  in  full  relief  for 
more  than  five  centuries  (the  Court  of  the  Lions  in  the  open  air),  yet  it 
is  of  stucco.  Exact  counterparts  of  the  ‘ 1 glories  ’ ’ of  art  can  lje  had  only 
for  the  world  in  substitutes  of  plaster.  Assuming  that  the  above  evi- 
dence demonstrates  that  concrete  supplies,  better  than  stone,  the  essen- 
tials for  constructions  required,  the  economical  result  is  extraordinary. 

Brickwork  in  Washington  has  advanced  in  cost  to  $9.72,  say  $10,  per 
cubic  yard,  owing  to  the  exhaustion  of  good  clay  in  the  vicinity.  Mr. 
Renwick’s  estimate  of  the  cost  of  concrete  (22  cents  per  cubic  foot)  is 
$5.94,  say  $ 6 , per  cubic  yard. 

A comparison  of  the  cost  of  cut  stone  or  marble,  especially  in  large 
blocks,  will  show  an  enormous  saving.  The  marble  columns  of  the  Cap- 
itol, including  base  and  capital,  are  30  feet  4^  inches  in  height.  The 
shafts  are  24  feet  10  inches  by  3 feet  in  diameter,  in  one  block. 

-Mr.  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  writes:  “According  to 
my  recollection,  the  cost  of  each  column,  including  cap  and  base,  was, 
approximately,  $3,000.” 

The  Roman  Doric  order  would  be,  consistently,  cast  in  concrete  by 
sections.  After  the  expense  of  the  mold,  $100  each  would  be  a liberal 
estimate  for  the  cost  of  columns  of  the  dimensions  above  stated. 

Granite  columns,  one-half  the  size  of  those  required  for  the  Columbian 
Parthenon,  would  cost  at  Westerly,  R.  I.,  $996.50,  say,  $1,000.  These 


ANCIENT  IMITATION  OF  MATERIALS, 


67 


would  be  about  3 feet  in  diameter  and  should  not  cost,  as  above  stated, 
over  $100  in  concrete. 

An  approximate  estimate,  without  calculation  of  details,  from  experi- 
ence and  the  above  data,  for  the  group  of  buildings  of  the  Historical 


Galleries  would  be — 

Inconcrete $10,000,000. 

In  marble  or  granite 4°.  e00. 00°- 


No.  44.— Greek  Mausoleum  of  Halicaruassus.  Restoration  111  model. 


!| 


patriotism  and  patronage  of  art. 


No.  46. — Cloister  Naranco.  Spanish  court,  for  lestoiation. 

1 NATIONAL 
COURTS. 


Diffused  knowledge  immortalizes  itself.  Sir  James  Mackintosh. 

Knowledge  is  of  two  kinds.  We  know  a subject  ourselves,  or  we  know  where  we 
can  find  information  upon  it.  — Samuel  Johnson. 

History  hath  triumphed  over  time,  which,  besides  it,  nothing  but  eternity  hath 
triumphed  over.— Sir  Walter  Raleigh. 

We  have,  in  imagination,  provided  commemorative  Temples  of  His- 
tory and  Galleries  for  illustration  of  the  highest  attainments  of  art.  No 
institution  upon  a system  as  comprehensive  at  the  outset  has  hitherto 
been  attempted.  It  is  claimed  to  be  a new  departure  in  accord  with  the 
progressive  and  utilitarian  spirit  of  the  age. 

Such  advance  is  demanded  in  these  days  in  all  intellectual  as  well  as 
material  interests. 

Old  university  systems  have  yielded  to  the  eclectic  demands  of  a prac- 
tical era.'  Technological  institutions  supplant,  for  special  vocations,  the 
old  classic  routine,  that  the  student  may  go  directly  to  the  goal.  We 

'Thoroughly  in  sympathy  with  these  ideas  is  the  present  university  extension 
movement;  a new,  broad,  and  promising  educational  instrumentality  by  which  the 
latest  results  in  the  fields  of  art,  science,  and  philosophy  are  to  be  carried  to  the 

general  public. 

Lately,  lectures  have  been  given  by  professors  of  Princeton,  Columbia,  Yale,  and 
Harvard,  on  various  subjects,  in  New  York  and  Brooklyn,  Professor  Marquand,  of 
Princeton,  lecturing  on  archaeology.  These  valuable  services  are  stimulating  a 
demand  for  the  grand  Institute  of  Illustration  herein  proposed. 

In  the  same  direction  of  zeal  for  diffusion  of  knowledge  is  the  plan  of  the  new 

69 


THU  CONTENTS  OF  Till 


70 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


seek  to  arrange  collateral  information  along  his  path.  The  advantage 
for  America  is,  that  in  her  youth  and  wealth  she  is  not  encumbered  by 
custom  and  routine.  The  Kensington  Museum,  as  we  have  shown,  is 
proof  of  the  possibility  of  modern  improvements  in  aid  of  archaeology 
and  art. 

The  proposed  National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art,1  it  is  believed, 
would  excel  both  in  materials  and  methods  any  existing  institution. 

They  would  draw  from  analogous  organizations  of  the  Old  World  all 
details  applicable  to  their  purposes,  and  add  others  of  special  value  to 
Americans,  as  a new  nation  in  a new  world,  isolated  from  all  original 
remains. 


No.  47. — Staircase,  Toledo.  Spanish  court,  for  restoration. 

The  system  of  illustration  advised  is  claimed  also  to  be  comparatively, 
with  its  attractions,  its  promised  influences,  and  results,  more  economical 
than  previous  historical  and  artistic  collections. 

For  apprehension  of  the  scheme,  the  reader  is  invited  to  enter  the  struc- 
tures, in  imagination  completed,  and  forecast  their  occupation  and  use. 

The  Parthenon  on  an  Acropolis,  as  at  Athens,  and  like  the  Temple  of 
Jove  on  the  Capitoline  Hill,  dominates  a height  before  the  American 
Capitol,  its  counterpart  in  prominent  magnificence. 

This  grand  temple  we  devote  to  commemoration  of  Presidents  of  the 
United  States.  Adjacent  are  temples  memorial  of  other  statesmen  and 

University  of  Chicago,  for  work  throughout  the  year,  by  lectures  in  and  aliout  the 
city. 

The  extraordinary  Chautauqua  educational  organizations  and  assemblies  have  pre- 
ceded these  movements  in  facilitating  popular  education,  not  only  of  youth  but 
the  people. 

‘The  idea  of  congregating  the  two  objects  of  history  and  art  is  a good  one,  for 
many  of  our  people  who  are  crude  in  art  matters  are  earnest  and  appreciative  on 
matters  of  history. — -“GaTH,”  in  the  Philadelphia  Inquirer. 


ART  ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  HISTORY. 


71 


patriots.  Terraced  below  are  the  Galleries  of  History,  an  institute  of 
illustration  by  paintings  i:i  chronological  series,  accurately  revealing 
historical  events,  and  by  collateral  objects  and  devices,  such  as  casts  of 
sculpture,  architectural  models  and  fragments,  inscriptions,  etc. 

There  is  no  such  distinct  and  realistic  presentation  of  a great  historical 
cycle  in  all  the  galleries  of  Europe.  If  the  compartments  of  ceilings  in 
the  Vatican  or  the  Louvre  be  cited  to  the  contrary,  it  will  be  remembered 
that  the  details  are  in  such  distant  positions  and  in  such  subjection  to 
adjacent  ornamentation  that  the  observer  abandons  the  effort  even  to 
identify  the  subject  from  his  guidebook.  There  are  none  but  frag- 
mentary efforts  at  continuity  except  at  Versailles.  Generally,  facts  are 
overlaid  with  allegory  for  ornament,  in  indifference  to  their  importance, 
from  which  it  is  difficult  to  extricate  them. 


No.  48. — Triumph  of  Romulus,  B.  C.  740.  For  copy,  10  feet  by  7 feet  with  series  from  Piuelli. 

Thus  an  institute  would  have  a clear  field  for  the  consecration  of  art, 
in  a revival  of  the  past  more  vivid,  intelligible,  and  impressive  to  the 
people  than  has  yet  been  developed.  Let  the  stories  of  history  be  tan- 
gibly set  forth  in  truthfulness,  not  in  poetic  ideality  ; in  actual  conti- 
nuity, not  in  fragmentary  fancies ; in  satisfaction  of  curiosity  (the  only 
true  stimulus  to  intelligence),  not  in  isolation  that  is  discouraging  to 
the  ignorant,  revealing  to  him  no  end  from  a beginning. 

For  this  consummation  the  subject  must  be  grasped  as  a whole. 
Given  an  area  for  representation,  and  a subject,  the  historian  must  mark 
the  salient,  critical,  objective,  and  final  data;  must  recreate  the  charac- 
ters and  their  surroundings  by  all  written  and  antiquarian  material ; then 
the  artist  must  give  them  life  and  power  in  semblance  of  form  and  color. 


72 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


Since  the  above  was  written  I have  received  from  London  Pinelli’s 
“ Istoria  Romana,”  giving  102  engravings  of  Roman  history,  in  illustra- 
tion of  Rollin,1  from  the  time  of  Romulus  and  Remus  to  the  Emperors. 
These  could  be  enlarged  by  the  camera,  and  would  need  only  the  colorist 
to  complete  an  attractive  and  vivid  series  for  popular  study.  Six  of  the 
series  are  here  given  in  illustration  of  the  whole. 

Imagine  this  suggestion  realized  in  a grand  hall  walled  with  truthful 
and  lifelike  portrayals  of  the  great  eras  and  decisive  incidents  of  Roman 
history,2  the  connection  of  the  facts  revealed  being  fully  explained  by 
accompanying  text ; these  representations  being  again  multiplied  by 
photo-reductions  for  inexpensive  handbooks  of  history,  such  as  are  now 


No.  49. — Lucius  Junius  Brutus  condemns  his  sons  to  death  for  conspiracy  to  restore  Tarquin  to  the 
throne,  B.  C.  500.  lJor  copy,  10  feet  by  7 feet. 


published  by  the  Kensington  Museum  upon  its  treasures  of  art.  Imagine 
the  Greek,  Byzantine,  Renaissance,  and  other  galleries  also  thus  illu- 
mined by  recreations  of  the  critical  and  crucial  experiences  of  their  nation- 

1 The  edition  of  Rollin  illustrated  by  these  powerful  drawings  is  in  the  Library 
of  Congress.  Histoire  Romaine,  Depuis  la  Fondation  de  Rome,  Jasqu'a  la  Ilataille 
d’Actium.  Paris,  1748.  16  vols. 

“Extensive  ranges  of  paintings  may  recall  to  many  the  exhaustive  prostration  of 
the  round  through  Versailles,  where  fatigue  dissipates  all  pleasure  before  half  the 
course  is  made,  and  from  which  there  is  no  retreat. 

When  Americans  have  their  own  galleries,  far  excelling  in  interest  and  instruction 
those  of  Europe,  as  they  may,  they  will  not  be  limited  to  a day’s  visit  in  a contin- 
uous drive;  and  they  will  utilize  elevators,  automatic  tramways,  and  perambulators; 
and  study  as  they  travel  in  luxury  and  ease. 


ART  IN  EDUCATION  At,  USE. 


73 


alities,  that  marked  their  transitions  to  conquest  and  defeat,  greatness 
and  decay.  Thus  more  effective  object  lessons  than  have  ever  before 
been  devised  would  be  scattered  broadcast  from  the  Capital  of  the  nation 
to  the  homes  of  its  people.  The  Gallery  would  issue  textbooks  to  the 
adults  of  the  nation. 

This  practical,  unpoetic  employment  of  art,  rather  than  for  the  play  of 
imagination,  may  invite  criticism  from  connoisseurs  whose  ideal  demands 
perfection,  and  who  are  hypercritical  of  all  but  recognized  masters. 

Such  aestheticism  is  incompatible  with  the  aim  of  the  proposed  insti- 
tute. It  is  apparent  that  the  world  can  never  paint  its  history  at  the  cost 


No.  50. — M.  Coriolanus,  condemned  to  exile,  pleads  against  the  sentence  by  wounds  in  war  for  his 

country,  II.  C.  470.  For  copy  in  series. 


of  “The  Angelus,”  nor  would  it  be  desirable  in  the  microscopic  detail  of 
Meissonier’s  Napoleon  in  1814 — 30  inches  by  20  inches — sold  for$i7o,ooo, 
or  $283  per  square  inch. 

It  is  vain  to  expect  that  our  Government  will  in  this  generation  pur- 
chase such  treasures;  that  the  agent  of  the  American  National  Galleries 
will  appear  in  competition  with  Kmperors  of  Russia  and  France  for  a 
Murillo  Madonna,  sold  for  315,000  francs.  The  great  majority  of  the 
people  can  not  appreciate  such  values.  Fortunately,  the  small  minority 
who  can  indulge  a limitless  enthusiasm  are  increasing  the  private  owner- 
ship of  masterpieces  from  their  surplus  of  wealth. 

Thence  they  will  gravitate  to  public  possession  by  gifts  such  as  those 
from  the  late  Mr.  Corcoran,  Messrs.  Marquand  and  Walters,  and  bequests 


74 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


like  that  of  Miss  Catherine  Wolfe.  Thus  the  Corcoran  Gallery1  and 
other  metropolitan  collections  will  hold  the  costly  gems  of  art.  They  will 
be  to  the  great  practical  institution  herein  advised  what  the  gems  of  the 
Green  Vaults  of  Dresden 2 are  to  casts  in  the  Trocadero  or  the  Kensing- 
ton, or  to  the  instructive  potteries  of  Egypt  and  Etruria,  which  are  far 
more  important  as  models  of  design  or  for  interpretation  of  history. 

The  genius  of  art  as  adapted  to  this  age  can  not  be  more  clearly  set 
forth  than  in  the  comments  of  M.  Phillipe  Gille  on  the  exhibit  of  the 
late  French  Exposition.3 


No.  51.— Roman  women  give  their  jewels  for  defense  of  Rome  against  the  Gauls,  B.  C.  350. 


lie  writes  thus: 

The  nineteenth  century  is  insatiable  in  the  matter  of  knowledge,  comparison,  and 
generalization  in  all  things.  The  taste  for  art  is,  in  these  days,  merely  one  special 
branch  of  universal  curiosity.  In  the  eyes  of  the  thoughtful  public  a figure  or  a 
picture,  a statue  or  a group,  has  gradually  lost  its  subjective  interest,  which  has 
become  secondary  to  its  value  as  an  ethnological  or  historical  record.  Landscape, 
for  instance,  English,  French,  German,  African,  or  Asiatic,  takes  the  place  of 
descriptive  geography. 

Genre,  finding  its  subjects  in  the  most  dissimilar  countries,  represents  with  the 
cliarin  of  relief  and  color  the  manners  and  customs  of  the  human  race. 

'The  Corcoran  Gallery,  in  Washington,  is  a most  attractive  popular  selection  of 
works  of  meritorious  art,  in  the  variety  and  interest  of  its  subjects,  as  well  as  for 
beauties  brought  from  nature  and  life  to  fascinate  the  eye. 

"The  Green  Vaults  of  Dresden  contain  an  immense  collection  of  precious  stones, 
pearls,  works  of  art  in  gold,  silver,  amber,  ivory,  and  rock  crystal.  It  has  the  larg- 
est known  onyx,  valued  at  $30,000. 

3 See  Addenda  2.  , ■ 


REALISM  IN  ART  ILLUSTRATION. 


75 


This  realism,  in  accord  with  the  practical  spirit  of  the  age,  must  be 
the  standard  for  historical  art  work  of  a popular — that  is,  a people’s — 

institution. 

Accuracy  and  beauty  in  execution  are  not  less  to  be  demanded  than 
in  the  creations  of  idealists.  The  frescos  lavished  in  German  galleries 
should  be  exemplars  for  the  manipulation  in  distemper,  and  for  oil  work 
the  panoramic  force  and  literalness  of  Horace  Vernet. 

The  sensible  conclusions  of  Monsieur  Gille  may  be  extended  to  all  the 
technical  subdivisions  of  knowledge.'  The  artist  has  no  need  to  resort 
to  the  creations  of  his  fancy  for  his  highest  inspirations.  Realism  in 


No.  52. — The  death  of  Regulus  by  torture  upon  his  return  as  prisoner  from  his  embassy  to  Rome, 
where  he  urged  war  with  Carthage,  B.  C.  256.  Copy. 


subject,  through  fidelity  to  nature  in  accessories,  is  not  less  the  charm 
of  Claude,  Corot,  or  Millet  than  their  success  with  atmosphere  and 
color.  I11  fact,  it  is  the  pathos  in  realism — the  worship  of  the  peasant — 
the  unison  of  the  soul  with  the  imaginary  bell  strokes  of  the  Angelus, 
that  has  won  for  the  latter  preeminent  admiration. 

The  learned  professors  of  the  institute  who  shall  prescribe  the  inci- 
dents of  history  to  be  delineated  seriatim  must  inevitably  utilize  every 
department  of  art. 

The  human  figure  in  perfection  of  form  and  action  takes  early  position 
in  subjects  of  the  Greek  and  Roman  periods. 

1 For  further  discussion  of  the  literal  utilization  of  art  for  educational  use,  see 

Addenda. 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


76 


Nor  will  the  Muse  of  History  dwell  only  on  the  spiritual  or  the  stern 
and  powerful  elements  that  have  wrought  or  warred  through  the  mythol- 
ogy or  conquests  of  the  ancients.  Coming  downward  from  the  iron- 


No.  53. — Hamilcar,  the  Carthagenian  General,  demands  of  his  son,  Hannibal,  an  oath  of  perpetual 

enmity  to  Rome,  B.  C.  238.  Copy. 


No.  54. — Egyptian  Temple  at  Philae.  For  restoration  in  court. 


disciplined  Spartans,  we  shall  meet  the  religious  inspiration  of  saints; 
the  romance  and  chivalry  of  minnesingers  and  troubadours. 

The  theory  for  the  institute  would  not  be  a rigid  and  dry  exhibit  of 


ART  ILLUMINATION  TOR  ORJRCT  LKSSONS. 


77 


facts  by  schoolmen,  but  to  command  all  resources  of  art,  to  clothe  them 
with  beauty  and  enchant  attention  in  study. 

It  is  an  age  of  illumination  and  object  teaching,  that  may  be 
applied  with  unequaled  facility  in  a national  agency  for  dissemination  of 
knowledge. 

These  frescoes  and  canvases  should  be  the  works  of  American  artists 
under  guidance  of  the  highest  existing  talent.  Europe  should  supply  its 
ability  for  preceptors,  as  Switzerland  gave  Agassiz  to  Harvard  University. 


No.  55. — Corinthian  details.  Models. 

In  our-imaginary  assignment  of  the  Parthenonic  temple  to  its  com- 
memorative use,  we  behold  it  receiving  statues  and  portraits  of  Presidents 
of  the  United  States. 

Adjacent  are  panels  illustrative  of  their  rise  to  eminence  and  other 
memorials  that  would  forever  freshen  to  succeeding  generations.  1 his 

would  be  the  Hall  of  Presidents.' 

1 In  the  year  of  the  Victorian  Jubilee,  after  witnessing  the  pageant  in  l/ondon,  the 
author  was,  with  fellow-passengers  from  the  coach,  walking  up  hills  in  the  Lake 


78 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


The  surrounding  ranges  of  temples  we  appropriate,  in  like  manner,  to 
the  history  and  archaeology  of  the  American  Republic;  to  the  portraiture 
of  its  founders,  patriots,  defenders,  and  all  who  should  be  emblazoned 
on  its  tablets  of  fame. 

Upon  the  terraces  that  cover  the  hillsides  are  ranged  picture  galleries, 
with  corridors  on  either  side,  proportioned  in  extent  t,o  the  importance 
of  historic  periods  and  races.  The  galleries  will  receive  chronological 
series  of  paintings,  like  that  of  Roman  history  described,  and  the  cor- 
ridors all  collateral  illustration  possible  from  the  plastic  art.  These 
inclose  courts  for  reproduction  of  monuments  and  structures  to  complete 
the  delineation  of  human  life  and  development  by  all  available  material. 
Egyptian,  Greek,  Roman,  Byzantine,  Assyrian,  Mediaeval,  Moorish,  and 
East  Indian  courts  should  contain  monuments  or  relics  of  the  highest 
attainment  of  their  civilizations. 


No.  56. — Cloisters  of  San  Paolo,  Rome.  Mediaeval  court,  for  restoration. 


This  picture  may  appear  too  grand  for  realization.  Its  entire  practi- 
cability will  be  demonstrated  by  the  list  of  architectural  reproductions 
proposed,  to  be  the  most  effective  and  progressive  feature  for  our  National 
Galleries. 

region.  In  the  company  were  two  persons  of  Hast  Indian  complexion  - an  Indian 
prince  and  liis  servant.  The  former  had  been  one  of  the  gorgeous  oriental  escort  of 
the  Queen.  In  conversation  that  followed  he  said:  “ I am  greatly  dieappointed  that 
my  associate  will  not  return  with  me  across  the  United  States  to  India.  I want, 
above  all,  to  visit  the  people  who  have  chosen  good  rulers  by  popular  vote  for  one 
hundred  years,” 


ENGRAVINGS,  PHOTOGRAPHS,  ETC. 


79 


We  have  assigned  our  central  ranges  of  galleries  to  historical  and 
commemorative  paintings. 

These  should  be  supplemented  by  collections  to  utmost  extent  of  all 
illustration  by  engraving,  photography,  etc.;'  that  would  perfect  the 
scheme  of  pictorial,  historic,  and  art  illustration,  if  thoroughly  indexed 
This  suggestion  I would  strongly  emphasize  as  the  conviction  of  con- 
siderable observation  and  experience.  The  material  abounds  in  all 
European  collections;  yet  in  practical  uselessness,  because  nowhere  cata- 
logued by  subjects.  The  National  Library  of  Paris  holds  1,320,000 
engravings,  arranged  under  the  names  of  the  designers.  In  like  manner 
the  Louvre  Museum  has  36,000  specimens  of  engravings,  and  the  Vatican 
as  many,  that  can  only  be  approached  with  difficulty. 


No.  57. — Caza  Zaporta.  Spanish  court,  for  restoration. 


The  British  Museum  has  commenced  publication  of  catalogues  of  its 
engravings  by  three  royal  octavo  volumes  on  caricature.  The  details 
are  fully  described  of  each  picture;  for  instance,  by  Hogarth,  of  the  per- 
sons, motives,  etc.,  of  the  scene;  but  there  is  no  index  to  subjects,  as 
political,  domestic,  etc.,  or  as  of  jurisprudence,  religion,  etc.  Thus  these 

1 Mr.  Spofford,  Librarian  of  Congress,  states  that  “by  the  silent  operation  of  the 
copyright  law  for  twenty  years  past,  the  Library  of  Congress  has  accumulated,  with- 
out a dollar  of  expense  to  the  Government,  over  500,000  works  of  graphic  art, 
embracing  line  engravings,  mezzotints,  lithographs,  etc.  It  is  proposed  to  have  in 
the  new  Library  Building  an  art  gallery,  250  feet  by  35  feet,  for  exhibition  of  the 
progress  of  art  in  thisdirection  since  1870.” 

This  is  most  interesting  and  desirable,  but  has  no  relation  to  the  above  plan  of 
reproduction  of  foreign  and  antiquarian  art. 


8o 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


vast  collections  are  of  less  practical  utility  than  a tithe  of  their  number 
made  facile  to  examination. 

By  photography  these  selections  from  the  great  European  accumula- 
tions can  be  duplicated.  If  then  indexed  by  their  subject,  author,  and 
date,  as  are  modern  libraries  all  previous  artistic  conceptions  of  a period, 
or  a race,  or  a biography  would  be  immediately  available  to  the  scholar, 
the  author,  architect,  and  artist.' 

Such  an  index  of  the  institute  would  more  than  parallel  that  of  Dr. 
Poole  to  periodical  literature;  a life  work  of  inestimable  value  in  mod- 


No.  58. — Gothic  portal,  Beauvais.  Restoration  asal>ove  for  Gothic  court  or  in  model. 


ern  study;  a guide  in  a labyrinth;  an  evolution  of  order  out  of  chaos. 
By  such  an  accomplishment  the  institute  would  surpass  in  usefulness  all 
other  collections  that  might  hold  a greater  aggregate  of  material. 

As  collateral  to  the  above  pictorial  lessons  from  history,  there  should 
be  wall  charts  of  the  progress  of  civilization,  and  its  geographical  demar- 
cations at  divers  periods.  For  instance,  we  should  define  the  contem- 
porary bounds  of  Latin,  Greek,  and  Oriental  civilization.  The  large 
painting  in  the  Kensington  Museum  in  comparison  of  the  dimensions 
and  architecture  of  the  grandest  buildings  of  the  world  is  an  excellent 
specimen  of  such  illustration, 


3 91011 


17  18  29  33  39  I ti 

A.  The  Washington  Monument  (added  to  oji: 


Ft. 

1.  Porcelain  Tower,  Nankin.Cliina  200 

2.  St.  George’s  Hall,  Liverpool  85 

3.  Tomb  of  Theodoric,  Ravenna,  abt.  50 

4.  Chichester  Cathedral  271 

5 Victoria  Tower,  Westminster  331 

6.  Boston  Church,  Lincolnshire  . . 202 

7.  Taj  Mahal,  Agra  ....  220 

8.  York  Cathedral  . . . 198 

9.  Temple  of  Bacchus,  Taos  abt.  60 

10.  Alexandrian  Column,  St.  Peters- 

burg   ir>4 

11.  Column  of  July.  Paris  ....  154 

12  Torn;  Asinelli,  Bologna  . 370 

13.  Bell  Tower,  St.  Mark’s,  Venice  323 

14.  Colosseum, Rom e( 584  ft  in  length)  157 

15  Friburg  Cathedral  . . 385 

16.  Temple  of  the  Sun,  Baalbec  120 

17.  Temple  on  the  Ilissus,  Athens,  abt.  25 


Ft 

18  Erochtheium,  Athens  ...  44  35 

19.  Chartres  Cathedral  . .403 

20.  Church  of  Ste  .Genevieve,  Paris  274 

21  Tin-  Monument,  London  . . 202 

22  Amiens  Cathedral  . . 888 

23.  Church  of  St.Theobold,Thann,abt.320 

24  Royal  Albert  Hall,  1 ondon  . . 154 

25  St  Stephen’s  Cathedral,  Vienna  . 441 

26  Torazzoof  Cremona 396 

27.  Hotel  des  Invalided,  Paris  310 

28.  Temple  of  the  Giants, Agrigentum  116 

29  Parthenon,  Athens  ......  66 

30  Second  Pyramid.  Qhoeseh  . . 447 

31.  Strasburg  Cathedral  ...  468 

32.  Rouen  Cathedral  about  460 

33  Eleanor  Cross,  Waltham  . . . 50 

34.  Cologne  Catln'dral 510 

35.  Gnat  Pyramid 460 


36.  St.  Peter's,  lb 

37.  St.  Paul’s,  1 sir 

38.  Albert  Men  Ui 
,Q  f Obelisk,  1 fa 

I Propbyloi  I . 

40.  Bow  Churcl.U 

41.  Cleopatra’s  It* 

42.  Old  St.  Pau  11 

43.  Church  of  8Tl 

44.  Abbey  of  St  t-, 

45.  Church  of  8 hr  L 

46.  The  Baptist  h 

47.  Tomb  at  M s*  i 

48.  Church  of  S |>*  ; 

49.  Obelisk  in  Pi  £4  ■:  r 

In  Lateral  1 

50.  Antwerp  Ca  it 


No.  ^8'A— CHART  OF  COMPARATIVE  ARCHITECTURE  AND  HEIGHTS  OF  HE 


I 41  47 


49  52  57  58  60  64 


lal  drawing),  555 

Ft. 

e 448 

3n 360 

180 

r 75 

70 

ndon 235 

le  68 

xmdon 508 

ary,  Lubeck  . . 400 
phen,  Caen  . . . 400 
krtin,  Landshut, 

about  460 
isa  . . 190 

, Caria  . . about  50 
ter,  Hamburg  “ 380 
di  San  Giovanni 

tome 153 

ral 403 


feet  high.  Completed  1884. 

Ft. 

51.  4*Bell  Harry”  Tower,  Canterbury  235 

52.  Tower  of  the  Winds,  Athens  abt.  45 

53.  The  Cathedral,  Florence  . . 376 

54.  Hotel  de  Ville,  Brussels  . . . . 374 

55.  Mosque  of  St.  Sophia,  Constanti- 

nople   . . 182 

56.  Pantheon,  Rome  . . 143 

57.  Chapel  of  St.  Pietro  Montorio, 

Rome  . . . . about  40 

58.  Choragic  Monument  of  Lysicrates, 

Athens  34 

I 59.  Salisbury  Cathedral  . 404 

60.  Trajan  Column,  Rome  134 

j 61.  Cathedral,  Frankfort-on- Main  326 

62.  Pyramids  of  Mvcerinus  218 

63.  Church  of  St.  Nicholas,  Newcastle  201 
I 64.  Temple  of  Jupiter,  Strator,  Rome, 

about  98 


67  70  73  77 


Ft. 

65.  Mechlin  Cathedral  319 

66.  Bell  Tower,  Florence  266 

67.  Tomb  of  Absalom,  Jerusalem  54 

68.  Norwich  Cathedral "09 

69.  Leaning  Tower,  Pisa  188 

70.  Pompey’s  Pillar,  Alexandria  100 

71.  Church  of  St.Isaac,St.Petersburg336 

(Central  Spire,  Lichfield  252 

(Western  “ “ . . 192 


73.  Arch  of  Constantine,  Rome  abt.  70 

74.  Tower  of  Ivan  Veliki,  Moscow  260 

75.  Central  Transept,  Crystal  Palace  198 

76.  Science  Schools,  S.  Kensington  110 

77.  Temple  of  Vesta,  Tivoli  . about  55 


i WORLD’S  MONUMENTS.  ORIGINAL  IN  THE  KENSINGTON  MUSEUM.  R. 


i 


PLASTIC  MATERIAL. 


8l 


The  history  of  the  migration,  increase,  and  improvement  of  earth’s 
population,  the  rise  and  decline  of  empires,  might  be  graphically  deline- 
ated, giving  life  to  dry  statistics  and  elucidating  to  the  eye  historical  events. 
These  themes  present  a field  for  prize  competitions  in  ingenuity  and 
scholarship. 

Collateral  with  painting,  the  plastic  art  is  an  indispensable  appliance 
for  illustrative  objects  and  examples.  Its  facility,  perfection,  and  cheap- 


ness are  unsurpassed  by  any  process  of  human  skill  that  relates  to  the 
refinements  of  life.  It  will  produce  with  absolute  truthfulness  the 
features  of  a colossal  sphinx  or  the  microscopic  lineaments  of  a coin. 
No  expenditure  for  the  objects  sought  in  these  papers  will  yield  more 
tangible  and  remunerative  results  than  purchases  of  casts. 

The  great  museums  of  Europe  allow  no  vacancies  in  their  collections 
of  all  desirable  specimens.  Within  a few  years  the  School  of  Fine  Arts 
of  Paris  has  added  a grand  hall  for  models,  some  of  enormous  propor- 
S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  2 6 


82 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GAXLKRIES. 


tions.  Its  catalogue  has  2,943  numbers  for  sale.  The  collection  includes 
statues,  busts,  masks,  anatomical  fragments,  bas-reliefs,  animals,  arms 
and  armor,  altars,  cameos,  candelabra,  inscriptions,  lamps,  ornaments, 
plaques,  saddlery,  vases,  ecclesiastical  stalls,  etc.,  in  the  Greek,  Roman, 
Byzantine,  Gothic,  Reniassance,  and  Modern  styles. 

Beside  these  are  architectural  models  in  full  proportion  as  seen  in  fig. 
28,  page  26.  The  values  appended  show  the  cheapness  with  which  art 
casts  may  be  lavishly  supplied. 

Prices  are  as  follows:  For  10  statues,  4 feet  2 inches  and  upward,  26 
francs,  average;  236  busts  and  heads,  assorted  sizes,  9 francs.  Bas-reliefs 
are  of  great  importance,  not  only  as  models  for  design,  but  for  their  his- 


No.  60. — Jaina  Temple  of  Vinala  Sale,  12th  Century.  Restoration. 

torical  records  and  illustration.  The  collection  numbers  578  specimens 
at  a cost  of  40  francs  each  on  the  average.  To  this  is  added  60  per  cent 
for  packing  and  shipping  expenses.  For  all  educational  uses  casts  are 
absolutely  as  good  as  originals.  A11  eminent  professor  of  architecture  in 
one  of  our  chief  universities  remarked,  in  accordance  with  these  recom- 
mendations, that  he  would  restrict  a national  institution  to  casts  of 
antiquarian  remains,  considering  the  fictitious  value  of  originals  in 
comparison. 

The  Royal  Museum  of  Berlin,  in  the  impossibility  of  purchase  of 
originals,  decided  to  obtain  casts  of  all  the  masterpieces  of  sculpture  in 
the  world.  It  has  2,271  specimens. 


CASTS  FROM  BRITISH  MUSEUM  AND  THE  LOUVRE.  83 

In  nine  years  the  Museum  of  the  Trocadero,  in  Paris,  has  gathered  its 
splendid  exhibit  in  casts  of  architectural  styles. 

The  Louvre  and  the  British  Museum,  iti  aid  of  art  universally,  offer 
extensive  lists  of  objects  for  sale  in  replication.  The  English  people, 
having  supplied  money  without  stint  for  the  acquisition  of  ancient 
remains,  now  offer  counterparts  to  the  world  at  a tithe  of  their  cost. 

The  Parthenon  sculptures  cost,  in  1816,  $175,000.  The  Phigalian 
marbles  cost,  in  1815-16, 

$95,000.  In  sculpture  of 
archaic  interest  the  museum 

1 

is  unrivaled.  The  wonderful 
gain  to  human  knowledge  re- 
vealed by  its  acquisitions  is 
impressively  stated  in  the  in- 
troduction to  its  calalogue, 
thus: 

The  colossal  bulls  and  long  ex- 
tent of  sculptured  slabs  covered 
with  inscriptions,  which  orna- 
mented the  palace  of  Sennacherib, 
the  records  of  Assyrian  history  in- 
scribed in  cuneiform  character  on 
sun-dried  bricks,  unearthed  by  Mr. 

Layard,  with  ivories,  bronze  vases, 
and  numerous  other  objects, 
brought  together  within  the  mu- 
seum walls,  have  been  the  means, 
in  a great  measure,  of  restoring 
the  history  and  realizing  the  gran- 
deur and  advanced  civilization  of 
an  ancient  empire,  the  memory  of 
which  had  been  almsot  lost. 

Again  it  says: 

Here  are  stored  rather  than  ex- 
hibited very  interesting  monu- 
ments of  antiquity,  Indian  sculp- 
tures, Mexican  antiquities,  many 
Roman  sepulchers,  Greek  and 
other  inscriptions  in  large  num- 
bers, and  other  precious  remains. 

No.  61. — Balcony,  Benares.  Restoration. 

It  is  in  view  of  such  abun- 
dance of  instructive  and  impressive  records  of  the  past  that  the  design 
provides  a large  area  for  its  reception  and  that  this  appeal  is  made  for  its 
early  transfer  to  our  shores. 

Over  against  the  pictured  events  of  history  which  we  have  imagined, 
brought  out  in  train,  should  be  all  existing  busts  of  the  rulers,  scholars, 
philosophers,  poets,  navigators,  inventors,  artists,  and  others  who  im- 
pressed themselves  upon  the  passing  eras. 


84 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


Adjacent  should  be  replica  of  inscriptions,  sculptures,  tombs,  altars, 
etc. , which  throw  light  upon  the  dim  traces  of  time. 

To  facilitate  modern  art  and  architecture,  all  the  masterpieces  of 
ancient  sculpture  and  all  examples  of  ancient  orders  should  be  placed  in 
sight  of  the  American  student  at  home.  A hall  would  be  grandly  beau- 
tiful and  inspiring  if  the  orders  were  ranged  in  accuracy  of  detail  from 
base  to  apex  of  pediment,  with  good  extent  of  entablature.  An  avenue 
of  such  recreations  of  full  proportions  would  indicate  the  transitions 
from  race  to  race — the  Egyptian  to  the  Greek,  the  Greek  to  the  Roman. 


No.  62. — P'llar,  Tschultrie.  Model. 


(vSee  fig.  64.)  Models  to  scale,  of  course,  must  suffice  for  the  gener- 
ality of  notable  constructions,  such  as  are  now  being  gained,  of  exquisite 
workmanship,  to  the  Metropolitan  Museum  of  Art,  New  York,  but  for 
full  inspiration  some  great  monuments  should  be  revived  in  the  dignity 
of  proportions. 

In  comparison  with  Europe  the  poverty  of  such  material  in  our  country 
is  deplorable.  The  recent  addition  to  the  Boston  Art  Museum  of  casts, 
to  a total  of  777,  valued  at  $50,000,  is  a welcome  gain,  and  it  is  cheering 
to  learn  of  a subscription  of  $100,000  to  raise  the  New  York  list  from 


COINS,  CERAMICS,  ARMOR,  FURNITURE,  ETC. 


85 


168  specimens;  but  the  nation  should  at  once  command  for  its  Capital  all 
of  such  available  object  lessons  from  the  past,  to  be  redistributed  thence 
to  local  centers  of  learning  throughout  the  land. 

There  is  no  need  to  enumerate  in  detail  other  archaeological  material 


No.  63. — Tope  of  Sanchi,  Buddhist  shrine,  6th  century.  Model. 


of  museums  essential  to  the  National  Galleries — coins,  ceramics,  armor, 
furniture,  bronzes,  metal  work,  etc. 

Our  country  will  reap  the  advantages  of  late  inventive  skill  in  all 
mechanical  processes  for  their  reproduction. 


No.  64. — Hall,  Palace  of  Allahabad.  Indian  court.  Restoration. 


The  electrotype  process  in  its  high  development  will  supply  not  only 
the  coinage  of  all  periods  and  nations  extant  in  the  vast  collection  of 
the  British  Museum  a service  to  knowledge  greatly  enjoyed  by  its  vener- 
able numismatist,  Mr.  Ready — but  by  the  same  application  of  chemistry 
and  galvanism  Messrs.  Elkington  & Co.,  of  London,  will  supply  large 


86 


contents  of  national  galleries 


No.  65. — Ceramics.  Allegorical  Titles  of  the  Nations  by  Solon.  Exposition,  Paris,  1878. 


CERAMICS 


87 


The 

United  States 
had 

NO  PLACE 
IN  THE  SYMBOLIC 
ILLUSTRATIONS 
OF  THE 

CERAMIC  ARTS. 

The  Report  of 
the 

Exposition,  1878, 

MENTIONS 

BUT 

THREE  CONTRIBUTIONS 
FROM  THE  U.  S. 


This  Exhibit 
was 

WHOLLY  DISPROPORTION  ED 
TO  THE 

EXTENT  OF  POTTERY 
INTERESTS  IN  THE  U.  S. 

At 

Philadelphia,  in  1876, 
THERE  WERE 
Sixty  Exhibitors. 
American  Ceramic 
Manufactures 
are  now 
expanding  with 

GREAT 

RAPIDITY  AND  SKILL. 


No.  65a. — Ceramics.  Allegorical  Titles  of  the  Nations  by  Solon.  Kxposition,  Paris,  1878. 


88 


CONTENTS  OK  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


reproductions,  such  as  The  Regalia  from  the  Tower  of  London;  of  gold 
and  silver  services  from  Windsor  Castle;  of  old  English  plate  from  Knole. 
The  Corcoran  catalogue  now  has  139  specimens  of  electrotype  repro- 
ductions by  Christofle  & Co.,  of  Paris,  and  Elkington  & Co.,  of  London, 
including  the  Treasures  of  Hildesheim,  the  Pompeian  Toilet,  and  Monu- 
ment to  Frederick  the  Great. 

The  South  Kensington  Museum  and  the  Arundel  Society  of  London 


No.  66. — Interior  of  an  Egyptian  palace.  Restoration. 


have  contracted  with  Elkington  & Co.  for  reproductions,  in  fictile  ivory, 
of  all  their  carved  ivory  objects,  in  aggregate  of  immense  value.  These 
replica  are  for  all  uses  as  good  as  the  originals.  The  catalogue  contains 
hundreds  of  articles  dating  through  the  past  eighteen  centuries — caskets, 
panels,  book  covers,  tablets,  shrines,  diptichs,  etc. 

The  recital  made  of  abundant  material  that  is  at  once  available  vindi- 
cates the  scale  herein  advocated  in  immediate  constructions  for  National 
Galleries. 


These  will  be  revealed  by  a magnifying  glass.  In  1888  a similar  plate  was  published  of  London*  in  the  time  of  Henry  VIII.  The  port, 
“St.  Bernard,”  an  illustration  for  the  Mediaeval  Court,  is  above  the  title  in  the  foreground. 


MEDI/EVAL  ARCHITECTURE 


89 


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CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


The  following  design  could  be  admirably  utilized  as  a pavilion. 

The  third  of  the  novel  and  important  provisions  for  this  scheme  of  the 
National  Galleries  is  described  in  the  introduction,  as  follows: 

Reproductions  in  full  size  in  the  courts  of  the  respective  galleries  of  his- 
toric nationalities  of  their  remaining  monuments ; and  reproductions  of 
temples , dwellings , tombs , etc. , typical  of  their  religion,  life,  manners,  and 
art. 

I believe  this  recommendation,  if  realized,  will  prove  the  most  popu- 
lar and  impressive  feature  of  the  institution. 


No.  68. — Bird’s-eye  view  of  an  Egyptian  palace.  Restoration. 


The  reconstructions  in  the  first  Crystal  Palace  at  Sydenham  of  small 
courts  of  various  styles,  Egyptian,  Pompeian,  Moorish,  Mediaeval,  and 
Italian,  by  William  Owen  Jones,  architect,  were  unquestionably  the 
most  attractive  and  effective  impressions  from  the  past  upon  observers, 
of  all  the  material  exhibited. 

The  houses  of  all  nations,  by  Monsieur  Garnier,  in  the  late  French 
Exposition,  are  reported  in  all  accounts  therefrom  as  of  the  same  super- 
lative interest. 

The  success  of  the  Pompeia  as  an  object  lesson  of  Roman  art,  archi- 
tecture, mythology,  life,  and  manners  is  a precedent  for  an  extensive 


ARCHITECTURAL  RESTORATIONS. 


91 


elaboration  of  the  idea  through  the  fields  of  archaeology.  Hitherto 
museums  and  galleries  have  attempted  only  the  elucidation  of  fragments 
exhumed  from  antiquity,  exhibiting  the  bones,  rarely  even  a skeleton, 
of  ancient  life.  With  the  light  of  modern  investigation  thrown  upon 
monuments  of  past  ages;  by  the  interpretation  of  their  records,  unlocked 
from  mystery  on  the  clay  cylinders  of  Nimrod  and  the  Rosetta  Stone, 
the  environment  of  former  races  has  been  revealed  to  the  scholar  and 
detailed  in  books. 

By  these  data  fractured  ruins  may  be  readjusted;  the  voids  supplied; 
the  walls  raised;  the  roof  or  dome,  towers,  spire  or  pinnacle  restored; 
the  altars  placed;  pictured  worship  or  conflict,  domestic  pursuit  or 


No.  69. — Atrium  of  a Greek  House.  Restoration. 


luxury,  the  joys  of  life,  the  ceremonies  of  death,  may  be  recreated,  and 
we  move  among  the  forerunners  of  civilization. 

It  has  been  the  general  opinion  of  traveled  visitors  to  the  Pompeia 
that  they  received  a more  vivid  conception  of  Roman  life  and  its  sur- 
roundings from  this  reconstruction  than  had  ever  been  gained  from  the 
ruins  of  Pompeii  or  the  multiplied  objects  therefrom  in  the  show  cases 
of  the  Naples  Museum.  Antiquaries  and  scholars  also  have  said  that 
their  imaginations  of  the  reality,  vividly  described  in  the  romance  of 
Bulwer  and  the  critical  text-book  of  Becker,  had  never  given  a compre- 
hension such  as  was  obtained  from  a circuit  through  the  halls,  apart- 
ments, and  gardens  of  the  house  of  Pansa,  in  which  Jove  and  Mel- 
pomene, Victory  and  Ariadne,  Bacchantes  and  Genii,  the  household  gods 


92 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


and  family  scrinia,  the  pool  of  the  atrium  and  the  foliage  of  the  peri- 
stylium;  the  altar  for  the  Lares,  and  the  reclining  couch  of  the  triclin- 
ium are  all  in  juxtaposition,  amid  their  imposing  surroundings  of  stately 
columns  and  gorgeous  decorations. 

This  last  allusion  recalls  an  incident  apposite  to  this  argument.  Among 
the  378  visitors  of  the  Presbyterian  convention  was  an  eminent  presi- 
dent of  a seminary  and  professor  in  theology.  He  greatly  enjoyed  the 
practical  experiment  with  the  writer  of  reclining  at  a feast,  like  a 
Roman,  on  the  couch  of  the  triclinium.  The  description  of  the  posture 
from  classical  dictionaries  was  more  clearly  indicated  by  a painting  of  a 
Feast  of  Genii,  from  Herculaneum,  reproduced  on  the  walls  by  Pascal, 


No.  70. — Triclinium  of  a Greek  House.  Restoration 


of  Paris,  who  went  to  Pompeii  for  study  of  the  subject,  and  by  a copy 
of  Boulanger’s  Feast  of  Lucpllus. 

Others  of  the  company  personated  the  servitors.  The  final  impression 
was  to  this  effect:  “For  twenty  years  I have  taught  what  has  been 

dimly  apprehended  by  me — the  luxury  of  the  Roman  feast  in  recum- 
bent positions  of  the  guests.  I have  hardly  conceived  them  as  comforta- 
ble, but  now  I realize  all  the  ease,  luxury,  and  revelry'  of  a symposium.”  ' 

■The  illustration  from  Viollet  le  Due  of  a Greek  symposium  (fig.  70)  is  awk- 
wardly defective  in  the  absence  of  the  round  pillows  on  which  the  guests  rested 
upon  the  elbow.  Monsieur  le  Due  was  as  rapid  in  execution  as  Dore,  and  in  this 
instance  he  overlooked  an  essential  appliance.  I11  the  Pompeia  they  are  simulated 
from  the  picture  above  mentioned  from  Herculaneum. 


CASTS  AND  MODELS  IN  KENSINGTON  MUSEUM. 


93 


LEST  FROM  KENSINGTON  MUSEUM. 

Annexed  is  a partial  list  of  the  casts  and  models  of  the  Kensington 
Museum.  They  are  extremely  interesting  and  valuable.  They  should 
all  lie  provided,  and  very  many  in  addition,  to  stimulate  the  genius  of 
our  people. 


PARTIAL  LIST  OK  CASTS  AND  MODELS  IN  THE  ARCHITECTURAL  COURT  OK  THE 

KENSINGTON  MUSEUM. 


The  Rood  Loft  from  the  Cathedral  of 
Bois-le-Duc. 

Doorways  of  Rochester  and  Norwich 
Cathedrals. 

The  Prentice  Pillar — Rosslyn  Chapel. 

Recumbent  Figures  of  Henry  VII  and 
Queen  Eleanor. 

Cloister  at  Toledo. 

The  Tabernacle  of  St.  Leonard  at  Leau. 

Baptismal  Font,  from  Hal,  Belgium 
(A.  D.  1444). 

Borgnival  Monument. 

Font  at  Liege. 

Spanish-Moorish  Arch  from  Toledo. 

Arabesque  Cupboard  from  Toledo. 

Monument  of  Frederick  the  Great,  Ber- 
lin. 

The  Puerta  Della  Gloria  of  the  Cathedral 
of  Santiago. 

Choir  Stalls  at  Ulm. 

Minstrels’  Gallery  Exeter  Cathedral. 

Chimney-pieces  from  Tattershall  Castle. 

Chimney-piece  from  France,  by  Ger- 
main Plion. 

The  Schreyer  Monument  at  Nuremberg. 

Lion  of  Brunswick. 

The  Trajan  Column  at  Rome  (in  two  por- 
tions). 


Chimney-piece  from  the  Palace  de  Jus- 
tice, Bruges. 

Doors  of  Augsbergand  Hildesheim  Cathe- 
drals. 

Corona,  or  Chandelier,  from  the  Cathe- 
dral of  Hildesheim. 

Fountain,  with  Perseus  and  Medusa,  from 
Munich. 

Candlestick  at  Milan  Cathedral. 

Shrine  of  St.  Sebald,  by  Peter  Vischer. 

Tomb  of  Count  Hennenberg,  by  Peter 
Vischer. 

Font  at  Hildesheim. 

Wrouglit-iron  Screens  from  Hampton 
Court. 

Florentine  and  Venetian  Fountains. 

Chapel,  Reredos,  and  Arched  Recess, 
from  Church  of  Santa  Chiara  (Flor- 
ence). 

Doorways  from  a Church  at  Genoa. 

Terra-Cotta  Bust  of  Fifteenth  Century. 

Doorway  of  a Palace  at  Genoa. 

The  Gherardini  Models. 

Stone  Chimney-pieces. 

Altar-piece  and  Tabernacle  from  San 
Girolamo  at  Fiesole. 

The  Ghiberti  Gates. 

Panels  from  the  Campo  Santo. 


Following  this  list  I give  a selection  of  structures  and  objects  recom- 
mended for  full  reproduction,  like  the  Pompeia,  in  confidence  that  it 
can  all  be  accomplished  with  equal  facility  and  thoroughness,  and  com- 
paratively, with  the  advantageous  results,  at  very  moderate  expense. 

For  architectural  grandeur,  as  an  inspiring  ideal,  as  preeminently 
commemmorative  of  the  most  powerful  impulsive  action  of  man  since 
the  Christian  era,  let  the  Parthenon,  as  a Columbian  temple,  rise  on  an 
acropolis  in  the  perfection  of  its  dignity,  unity,  and  beauty.1  Let  it  be 
surrounded  by  like  constructions.  The  Greek  Federation  of  States 
centered  their  reverence  and  admiration  about  their  common  temple. 


■ The  Pantheon  at  Athens  brings  before  our  eyes  the  age  of  Pericles  more  clearly 
in  all  its  perfection  than  any  written  page. — I'ergusson. 


94 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


The  American  Union  should  raise  a grander  votive  shrine  to  those  who 
conceived  its  origin  and  guided  its  growth,  and  greater  temples  for  the 
perpetuation  of  its  history,  as  the  Republic  of  the  United  States  is  vaster 
than  the  Aehaian  League. 


One  of  the  principal  functions  of  Greek  art  was  to  adorn  the  earthly  habitation 
of  the  immortal  gods — the  Greek  temple,  whose  grandeur  and  harmonious  beauty 

make  it  one  of  the  great- 
est achievements  of  the 
human  intellect, the  glory 
of  all  succeeding  ages.* 

It  is,  therefore,  be- 
cause it  is  an  expres- 
sion of  the  highest 
aspiration  of  the  hu- 
man'soul  toward  ‘ ‘ the 
Unknown  God,”  that 
I can  not  enjoy  a mini- 
ature of  the  Parthe- 
non. Models  are  in- 
valuable for  realism  of 
examples  in  architec- 
tural stud}-. 

But  however  exact 
the  imitation  of  de- 
tails, I can  not  with 
pleasure  look  down- 
ward , beneath  my  stat- 
ure, upon  a dwarfed 
Parthenon;  rather 
heavenward  along  its 
massive  but  uplifting 
lines,  for  the  attri- 
butes of  power  and 
beauty  that  it  was 
created  to  express. 
We  should  range  its 
colonnade  against  the 
western  horizon  of  the 
National  Capitol  as  a 
counterpart  to  the  stately  dome  upou  the  east;  the  one  expressive  of  the 
highest  legislative  wisdom,  the  other  of  the  resultant  intellectual  devel- 
opment of  a nation. 


•The  introduction  to  the  Catalogue  of  Casts  from  the  Anticjue  in  the  South  Ken- 
sington Museum,  by  Mr.  Walter  C.  Perry,  from  which  I quote,  offers  great  tempta- 
tion to  extended  extracts  from  its  clear  exposition  of  the  inspiration,  beauty,  and 
perfection  of  Greek  art. 


ROMAN  REPRODUCTIONS. 


95 


REPRODUCTIONS  PROPOSED. 

In  the  Roman  Court,  as  seen  in  the  illustration1  (fig.  71): 

1.  The  Cabin  of  the  Aboriginal  Latians,  modeled  from  the  examples 

/ 

on  cinerary  urns  found  near  Alba. 

2.  Specimens  of  the  Cloacae  Maxima  and  other  Roman  masonry. 

3.  A replication  of  a section  in  the  catacombs,  with  burial  niches  and 
altar,  with  inscriptions.  This  suggestion  in  1891  materialized  on  a small 
scale  in  1899  in  the  new  monastery  in  Washington. 

4.  The  Porta  Maggiore,  full  size.  (See  fig.  5.) 


No.  72.— The  Catacombs,  Rome.  Restoration. 


5.  A specimen  of  the  ruins  of  Pompeii,  with  a portion  of  lava  road- 
bed, a fountain,  etc. 

6.  The  Roman  Palace  of  Scaurus,  after  Mazois. 

7.  Trajan’s  Column,  full  size. 

The  cast  in  the  Kensington  Museum  is  in  plaster,  in  halves.  The 
Roman  Court  in  our  plan  can  receive  it  in  full  size  and  grandeur  in  the 
open  air.  It  can  be  readily  constructed  of  concrete,  a core  being  cast 
for  the  shaft  and  the  sections  of  relief  work  cemented  thereto. 

1 The  two  illustrations  of  the  Roman  and  Arabic  courts,  it  will  be  observed,  are 
not  in  exact  perspective.  They  are  photographed  from  free-hand  sketches  by 
Pascal,  hurriedly  made  for  this  publication.  They  are  merely  for  illustration,  like 
a blackboard  figure  in  chalk  of  a geometrical  diagram. 


96 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


8.  Restoration  of  the  Temple  of  Jupiter  in  Pompeii,  after  Fischetti  and 
Weichardt. 

9 Two  or  more  tombs  from  the  Appian  Way,  with  its  pavements 
precisely  imitated. 


No.  73. — A Homan  Columbarium.  Restoration. 

io.  A Columbarium;  the  receptacle  for  the  cinerary  urns  containing 
the  ashes  of  the  dead.  Casts  from  many  of  the  ornate  originals  in  the 
British  Museum,  to  fill  the  niches  in  the  walls,  will  be  beautiful  art 
models,  and  interesting  for  their  memorial  inscriptions. ' 


No.  7.(.— Inscriptions  from  the  Alhambra:  “There  is  no  Conqueror  but  God.”  Restoration. 

Among  these  suggestive  recreations  there  should  be — 
ii.  A Rostra;  its  columns  adorned  with  beaks  of  galleys  and  Roman 
standards;  their  proud  initials  S.  P.  O.  R.;  their  eagles  and  triumphal 
wreaths. 


ROMAN  REPRODUCTIONS. 


97 


Bunsen  considered  that  the  Rostra  of  the  forum  was  a “circular  build- 
ing, raised  on  arches,  with  a platform  on  top  bordered  by  a parapet,  the 
access  to  it  being  by  two  flights  of  steps,  one  on  each  side.” 

I can  imagine  the  inspiration  to  the  professor,  speaking  to  the  thousand 
excursionists — educators  from  the  East  or  the  West,  in  sight  of  these 
realistic  images — in  memoriam  of  the  rise,  greatness,  and  ruin  of  Rome. 

The  6 acres  inclosed  by  the  galleries  would  contain  these  and  others 
that  might  be  desirable. 


l ■ • • » 


No.  75. — Puerto  del  Sol  (Gate  of  the  Sun).  Toledo,  Spain.  Restoration. 


From  the  experience  with  the  Pompeia,  I estimate  that  the  above 
could  be  reproduced  entirely  for  §500,000.  The  Roman  house  will  be 
the  most  costly  object  of  the  list. 

I would  add  to  these  iu  a park  “Istoria,”  outside  the  walls  of  the 
Historical  Galleries,  two  other  important  reproductions,  viz: 

1.  A portion  of  the  remains  of  the  Praetorian  Camp  of  the  Romans, 
now  on  the  heights  of  the  Saalburg,  in  Germany,  being  restored  by  the 
Emperor  of  Germany  under  the  scholarly  superintendence  of  Professor 
S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  2 7 


98 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


Jacobi.  The  Praetorian  Camp  could  lie  laid  out  on  half  scale.  It  would 
be  built  of  brick  of  Roman  pattern,  about  io  by  io  by  i}{  inches.  It 
would  give  insight  of  the  strength  of  Roman  fortifications  on  the  line 
of  the  Taunus  range,  against  northern  barbarians;  of  the  discipline  of 
their  armies,  and  the  mathematical  prevision  of  movement  which  then, 
as  in  modern  times,  made  legions  invincible. 

2.  A full  reconstruction  of  the  Roman  Baths,  at  Badenweiler,  in  the 
Black  Forest.  The  Baths  at  Badenweiler,  discovered,  in  1784,  are  the 
most  complete  that  remain  from  the  Roman  domain,  although  smaller 
than  the  ruins  of  those  of  Diocletian,  Caracalla,  and  Titus,  at  Rome.  In 
a rich  edition  of  Vitruvius,  the  authoritative  Roman  architect,  whose 


No.  76. — Mosque  of  Cordova.  Specimen  in  restoration. 


works  are  extant,  there  is  a full  plan  of  these  baths.  Their  length  is 
345  feet;  breadth,  106.  Partitions,  floors,  steps,  etc.,  are  well  preserved. 
Canina  also  ( Architecturra  Romana,  Y.  3)  gives  the  ground  plan.  In 
concrete  they  could  be  reproduced  cheaply  and  with  facility.  By  photo- 
graphs of  the  walls  and  apartments  with  a scale,  and  by  specimens  of 
brick,  stone,  and  mortar  from  the  ruins  to  match  the  colors,  all  details 
could  be  accurately  depicted. 

These  constructions,  with  the  symbols,  objects,  weapons,  utensils,  and 
ornaments  which  would  appropriately  find  place  therein,  would  impress- 
ively reveal  the  actualities  of  Roman  worship,  war,  domestic  life,  art, 
and  manufacture. 

Thus  would  history  be  verified  and  art  resuscitated  with  the  meaning 


reconstructions  in  courts. 


99 


and  beauty  of  their  origin.  The  utilization  of  the  Roman  Court,  as 
descril)ed,  is  an  example  for  others  indicated  upon  the  ground  plan. 

The  Greek  Court  should  inclose  an  Agora,  according  to  Vitruvius, 
with  its  double  colonnades,  its  Curia  (Senate  House),  Basilica,  altars,  and 
statues.  Its  Doric  style  would  be  in  harmonious  effect  with  the  sur- 
mounting Parthenon  and  its  Roman  modification  in  the  opposite  court. 

Such  surroundings 
would  be  an  inspira- 
tion to  archaeological 
and  classic  research, 
and  stimulate  zeal  for 
American  participation 
in  present  Greek  explo- 
rations, which  are  yield- 
ing splendid  results.1 

The  wonderful  Mau- 
soleum of  Halicarnas- 
sus (No.  45)  may  yet 
reappear  as  a monument 
to  an  American  Mau- 
solus  — Croesus.  The 
Caryatides  of  the  Krech- 
theum;  indeed,  the 
triple  temples  that  com- 
posed that  structure, 
illustrating  the  free- 
dom and  picturesque- 
ness  with  which  the 
Greeks  applied  their 
exact  and  stately  archi- 
tecture, should  be 
added  entire. 

The  Moorish  Court 
(fig.  78)  should  con- 
tain, as  represented,  a 
fraction  of  the  Mosque 
of  Cordova ; the  Court 
of  the  Lions,  from  the  Alhambra,  with  the  Puerto  del  Sol  (Gale  of  the 
Sun),  at  Toledo,  for  its  entrance. 

It  is  proposed  that  the  angle  towers  (fig.  29)  at  the  boundaries  of  the 
courts,  which  by  the  scale  will  be  about  75  feet  square,  shall  contain 
casts  or  reconstructions  of  famous  monuments  or  fragments  of  the  richest 
constructions  of  the  adjacent  styles.  Thus  the  wonderfully  rich  piers  of 
Burgos  Cathedral  (fig.  80),  the  Gothic  Portal  of  Beauvais  (fig.  58), 


'See  first  volume  of  “ Antike  Denkmaler.”  Berlin:  63  plates. 


IOO 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


and  the  Norman  Gate,  at  Bristol  (fig.  90),  would  make  superb  termi- 
nals for  vistas  of  the  galleries. 

The  Mediaeval  and  Renaissance  Courts  will  inherit  an  embarrassment 
of  riches  from  the  monuments,  dwellings,  and  relics  remaining  unharmed 
by  time  or  human  despoilers. 

The  abundance  of  superb  material  is  a perplexity  of  choice.  That  the 
illustrations  of  these  eras  may  be  apart  and  continuous,  they  are  placed 
throughout  the  next  division  of  the  subject. 

In  the  Castle  from  the  Rhine  (fig.  79),  which  we  have  placed  upon 
the  banks  of  the  Potomac,  there  must  be  the  Baronial  Hall  (see  illustra- 


No.  78.— Medixval  castle  of  Kheinsteiu,  for  the  southern  angle  of  line  of  Galleries  on  the  Potomac. 

tions  of  the  time  of  Francis  I),  which  should  contain  the  interiors  por- 
trayed in  figs.  83,  84,  and  85.  The  Gate  of  St.  Bernard,  with  its  conical 
tourelles,  should  be  entered  across  its  moat  under  a portcullis. 

Fragmentary  illustrations  of  ancient  art  are  of  the  highest  importance 
in  suggestion  of  forms  to  students  and  in  aid  of  architectural  design, 
but  they  tell  no  story,  suggest  no  idea,  give  substance  to  no  imagination, 
or  reality  to  any  description  of  the  history  or  purpose  of  the  structures 
from  which  they  are  detached. 

It  is  entirely  practicable  to  effect  thorough  representation  of  the 
environment  of  historic  personages  and  incidents,  so  that  the  force  of 


MEDIEVAL  RECONSTRUCTIONS. 


IOI 


those  characters  and  the  consequences  of  those  occurrences  shall  be 
vividly  imprinted  upon  the  observer. 

In  such  precise  faithfulness  and  for  such  intellectual  results,  there 
should  lie  recreated  from  time  to  time  actualities,  exterior  and  interior 
of  monuments,  houses,  rooms,  etc.,  associated  with  events  that  were 
greatly'  consequential  to  the  human  race.  The  field  is  the  wide  range 
of  historic  association;  but  those  of  preeminent  importance,  of  which 
the  original  relics  remain  as  patterns,  are  not  very  numerous. 

There  might  be  reconstructed  after  the  originals — 

i.  Luther’s  home  in  the  castle  on  the  heights  of  the  Wartburg,  his 
Patmos,  where  he  was  concealed  for  years  as  the  Knight  George. 


No.  79. — Piers  in  Burgos  Cathedral.  Such  reproductions  should  fill  the  angle  towers,  75  feet  by 
75  feet,  making  superb  termination  of  the  vistas  through  the  galleries.  Restoration. 

2.  The  Hall  of  the  Girondins,  and  the  cell  of  Marie  Antoinette  in  the 
round  towers  of  the  Conciergerie. 

3.  The  cell  of  Savonarola. 

4.  The  chamber  of  Mary,  Queen  of  Scots,  as  left  in  Holyrood  Castle. 

5.  The  house  of  Peter  the  Great,  at  Saardam,  in  Holland,  where  he 
wrought  at  shipbuilding. 

6.  The  house  of  Shakespeare. 

7.  The  house  of  Mozart. 

8.  The  house  of  Michael  Angelo. 

9.  The  house  of  Melancthon. 

10.  Rooms  in  London  Tower. 

11.  The  room  of  Philip  II,  in  the  Escurial. 

12.  The  Mamertine  Prison  at  Rome,  etc. 


102 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


The  buildings  identified  with  the  personages  would  receive  the  special 
illustrations  of  their  history  and  deeds.  Herein  would  be  a splendid 
and  exhaustless  field  for  future  individual  liberality,  wherein  the  wealthy 
and  cultured  could  rear  their  monuments  of  personal  interest  and  bequests 
of  materalized  knowledge  to  posterity. 

Let  it  be  remembered  that  the  outlay  and  construction  herein  described 
have  been  repeatedly  equaled  at  late  world’s  expositions. 

The  plan  assigns  celebrated  buildings,  St.  Sophia,  Byzantine,  San 
Salute,  Renaissance,  etc.,  to  their  respective  courts.  The  buildings  that 
will  be  demanded  for  the  lecture  halls,  competitive  exhibitions,  etc.,  may 
as  well  be  in  typical  as  imaginary  forms. 


No.  80  Assyrian  Interior.  A throne  room.  Restoration. 


The  list  proposed  is  simply  suggestive  — illustrative  of  the  wide  scope 
of  illustration  — not  the  fixed  details  of  objects.  These  would  lie  con- 
trolled by  various  considerations,  the  grade  and  contour  of  ground,  etc. 
But  the  system  described , of  courts , for  the  great  divisions  of  history , to 
contain  their  respective  architectural  styles  or  remains,  is  advocated  strongly 
as  far  in  advance  for  instruction  and  entertainment  of  all  exhibits  yet 
devised. 

For  the  Indian  Court:  The  elaborateness  of  East  India  temples 
(figs.  60,  61,  62,  63,  64,  65)  would  forbid,  probably,  their  reproduc- 


RECONSTRUCTIONS  IN  COURTS. 


103 


tion  in  full  detail.  Upon  a reduced  scale,  sections  of  such  structures 
could  be  repeated  that  would  convey  all  information  revealed  by  the 
entire  structures.  Oriental  architecture  had  not  the  expression  of  the 
classic,  nor  the  perfection  of  form,  which  is  the  consummation  of  beauty. 
Its  marvelous  handiwork  is  the  result  mainly  of  continuous  labor,  still 
miserably  paid,  so  that  with  the  present  facilities  of  intercourse  rich  and 
expensive  fragmentary  specimens  could  be  commanded. 

The  Mediaeval  Court  should  reproduce  cloisters  in  variety.  The  Campo 
Santo,  of  Pisa,  the  win- 
dow of  Melose  Abbey, 
etc.,  could  enhance  the 
verdure  inclosed  with  ex- 
quisite effect. 

In  a review  of  the  frag- 
mentary remains  of  the 
ancient  world  for  these 
imaginary  reconstruc- 
tions, I have  found  none 
that  might  be  undertaken 
with  greater  zest  and  con- 
fidence of  success  than 
the  Assyrian. 

The  exterior  (fig.  101) 
and  the  interior  of  an  As- 
syrian  throne  Room  ( fig. 

100)  would  be  imposing 
subjects.  ‘ ‘ The  Assyr- 
ian architecture,”  says 
Fergusson,  ‘‘was  pala- 
tial, while  that  of  the 
Greeks  was  templar.  It 
was  gay  with  color,  and 
of  such  dazzling  magnifi- 
cence that  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Athens  were  led 
into  hyperbole  in  records 

of  its  Splendor  Re  No.  81. — Exterior  of  an  Assyrian  palace.  Restoration, 

mains  have  now  been  recovered  to  such  an  extent  as  enables  us  to  restore 
their  buildings  almost  as  certainly  as  we  can  those  of  the  temples  of 
Greece  and  Rome  or  any  of  the  great  nations  of  antiquity.” 

The  huge  sculptures  exhumed  by  Layard  and  Botta  and  brought  at 
enormous  cost  to  the  British  Museum  are  cheaply  available  by  its  liber- 
ality. Sixty  slabs,  reproductions,  measuring  7 feet  in  length  on  an 
average,  that  would  cover  an  area  300  feet  long  by  6 feet  high,  are 


104 


CONTENTS  OE  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


offered  in  the  catalogue  of  Brucciaua  for  ,£308,  costing,  probably,  in 
Washington,  $3,000.  Tlieir  interest  would  be  vastly  enhanced  if  sur- 
rounding the  grand  hall  depicted,  crested  with  the  giraffa  or  an  architec- 
tural symbol  of  flame  (descended  through  the  ages  of  fire-worship)  and 
covered  with  its  roof  of  cedar. 

In  our  imaginary  reproductions  thus  far,  examples  of  Egyptian  archi- 
tecture, the  earliest  and  most  sublime  works  of  man,  are  unapproached. 
Their  vastness  of  scale  would  conflict  with  the  moderate  classic  elevations 
of  the  Historical  Galleries,  and  therefore  no  area  can  be  assigned  to  them 
within  the  courts. 

Fortunately,  on  the  reclaimed  marshes,  joining  the  desired  site  for  the 
Galleries,  there  is  an  appropriate  site  and  a superb  opportunity  for  colossal 
specimens. 

Substituting  the  Potomac  for  the  Nile,  we  would  rear  upon  its  banks  an 
Egyptian  propylaeum  approached  by  an  avenue  of  sphinxes  from  the 
base  of  the  Washington  Monument.  Its  exit  through  the  gateway  upon 
the  river  would  be  a magnificent  entrance  to  the  proposed  ornamental 
bridge  to  the  Arlington  shore.  This  conception  can  be  powerfully 
and  cheaply  realized  in  concrete.  The  piers  would  lie  hollow. 

The  sphinxes  can  also  be  readily  reproduced. 

The  Egyptians  built,  not  for  exquisite  detail  but  for  duration. 

They  understood  better  than  any  other  nation  how  to  make  their  colossi  and 
avenues  of  sphinxes  group  themselves  into  parts  of  one  grand  design.  With  the 
most  brilliant  coloring  they  thus  harmonized  sculpture,  painting,  and  architecture 
into  one  great  whole,  unsurpassed  by  anything  the  world  has  seen  during  the  thirty 
centuries  of  struggle  and  aspiration  that  have  elapsed  since  the  brilliant  days  of  the 
great  kingdom  of  the  Pharaohs. — Fkrgusson. 

We  have  borrowed  their  commemorative  form,  the  obelisk,  “simple, 
erect,  sublime,”  for  a memorial  to  the  Father  of  his  Country.  At  its 
base  may  be  effectively  and  appropriately  added  their  material  expression 
or  duration — the  sphinx — placidly  immobile  as  the  Olympian  god; 
dreamingly  observant  of  its  own  existence,  passing  onward  through 
thirty  centuries,  but  as  a mote  upon  the  current  of  an  eternity  “ without 
beginning  of  days  or  end  of  years.  ’ ’ 

Imagination  may  picture  glowingly  to  the  eye  of  the  mind  this  vast 
pile,  darkening  by  its  stately  mass  the  setting  sun,  whose  rays  gleam 
upon  the  rippling  river  through  the  majestic  portals  while  eastward 
they  “ linger  and  play  upon  the  summit”  that  inspires  faith  in  a long 
future  for  the  work  of  Washington. 

There  could  not  be  devised,  I believe,  a more  impressive  and  ornamental 
use  of  the  uninteresting  flats  recovered  from  the  Potomac  than  the  ele- 
vationt  hereupon  of  the  simple  but  exquisite  upward  lines  of  the  pyra- 
mids— those  “ mighty  royal  tombs;”  “eternal  dwellings  of  the  dead;” 
“the  oldest,  largest,  and  most  mysterious  of  all  the  monuments  of  man’s 
art  now  existing.  ’ ’ 


LARGE  MODELS  OF  VAST  CONSTRUCTIONS.  I05 

The  models  would  be  hollow,  to  save  needless  material.  By  electric 
light  this  interior  space  could  be  thoroughly  utilized.  In  one,  the  King’s 
Chamber  (34  feet  3 inches  by  17  feet  1 inch)  and  passage  thereto  should 
be  accurately  illustrated,  with  their  walls  and  roofs  of  splendid  slabs  of 
polished  granite,  but  this  would  not  at  all  necessitate  a solid  construction 
of  the  remaining  mass. 

One  pyramid  should  show  the  exterior  surface  in  its  pristine  beauty, 
reveted  with  polished  stones;  the  others  in  their  present  spoliated  con- 


No.D2. — Town  Hall,  Antwerp.  Restoration. 

dition,  with  courses  of  steps.  In  concrete  the  exact  proportion  of  the 
enormous  blocks  in  the  pyramids,  and  the  vast  blocks  which  formed  the 
avenue  of  approach  exciting  the  wonder  of  Herodotus,  could  be  precisely 
duplicated.  Near  by  the  model  of  the  Pyramid  of  Cheops'  should  be 
cast  a full  model  (hollow)  in  concrete  of  the  largest  quarried  stone  in  the 
world,  at  Baalbec,  71  feet  long  by  14  feet  high  by  13  feet  wide.  Among 
these  objects,  and  fringing  the  banks  of  the  Potomac,  should  wave 


■The  largest  was  760  feet  square,  484  feet  high,  covering  more  than  13  acres,  twice 
the  area  of  St.  Peter’s. 


io6 


CONTENTS  OF  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


masses  of  the  reedy  lotus  with  its  superb  lilies.  The  plantation  of  Mr. 
Sturtevant,  at  Bordentown,  X.  J.,  should  be  repeated  with  appropriate 
surroundings. 

Precisely  this  method  of  illustration  in  more  complex  forms  has  been 
applied  to  geological  illustrations  in  the  grounds  of  Sydenham  Palace, 
reproducing  the  scenery  of  ante-Silurian  ages,  with  mammoth  forms  of 
animal  life. 

In  Rome  we  visit  the  Pyramid  of  Caius  Cestius,  the  tomb  of  a tribune 
of  the  people,  built,  according  to  its  record,  in  three  hundred  and  thirty 
days.  It  is  1 16  feet  high,  98  feet  square  at  base,  faced  with  marble.  The 
cost  of  this  tomb  of  an  individual  to-day  would  be  more  than  that  of  the 
three  effective  models  of  the  Pyramids  of  Gizeh  above  described,  of  larger 
dimensions  in  concrete. 


'j. — Gi:e  of  Si.  Bernard,  fro—  Par^  in  irr-  Tiase  .:  rraacts  L For  rinie—  *rr 

tie  PotraufC.  Re~tonnoo 

EDUCATIONAL  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  GALLERIES:  THEIR 
METHODS  AND  FACILITIES  FOR  THE  DIFFUSION 
OF  KNOWLEDGE 


The  only  freedom  worth  possessis.;;  i>  that  wh:.  h gi  . - - enla^rement  : a reer  h ~ 
cEt-r^v.  intellect,  and  virtue?.  The  -vivic-  bo&?e?  f his  freed  '—  : at  what  is  :t 

worth  ? — C HANNING. 

As  ultimately  to  constitute  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  useful 
departments  under  government  control  the  direction  : the  National 
Galleries  should  be  secured  forever  to  a regency  corresponding  to  that 
of  the  Smithsonian  Institution.  tablishment  consists  of  the 

President  and  Vice-President  of  the  United  States,  the  members  of  the 
Cabinet,  the  Chief  Justice  of  the  United  States,  an  nffiwal  of  Washington 
and  "‘honorary  memters.  as  they  may  elect.'  The  third  section  of  the 
- ' . - - . ~ :r:m 

which  the  regents  shall  be  chosen.  For  the  National  Galleries  the  latter 
— - - . . 

the  Chancellor  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  and  other  prominent  educa- 
tor' from  the  States 

In  snppoation  that  the  Galleries  have  been  provided,  and  that  thev 


io8 


EDUCATIONAL  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  GALLERIES. 


have  received  sufficient  material  for  the  commencement  of  its  activities, 
we  will  anticipate  their  beneficent  and  expansive  results. 

First.  LECTURES:  There  would,  be  employment  for  a staff  of  able 
professors  in  history , art,  and  archeology. 

Intelligent  students  of  the  silent  relics  and  restorations  from  the  past,  to 
interpret  the  lessons  they  reveal,  to  unite  facts  in  the  chain  of  evidence,  to 
explain  the  wide  scopeof  their  revelations,  would  be  demanded.  Therefore 
the  plan  provides  lecture  halls  for  each  section  of  historical  material. 

Our  country  may  find  some  compensation  for  its  long  and  utter  depriva- 
tion of  such  facilities  in  its  opportunity  to  begin  with  all  the  appliances 
which  experience  has  proved  to  lie  expedient.  No  foreign  institution 
covering  the  whole  field  of  exhibits  has  any  such  provision  for  their  public 
and  scholarly  elucidation.  When  the  institute  is  organized  lectures  upon 


No.  84. — Salon,  Fontainebleau.  Restoration. 

the  various  historical  courts  should  be  delivered  constantly  throughout 
the  year,  so  that  excursionists  from  the  entire  country  could  always  find 
instructors  at  their  posts. 

In  1882  Mr.  Edward  A.  Bond,  principal  librarian  of  the  British 
Museum,  reported  as  follows: 

Educational  uses  of  the  Museum. — In  concluding  this  general  review  of  the 
gradual  formation  of  the  different  collections,  it  may  be  held  excusable  to  point  out 
that  they  are  exhibited  not  as  mere  objects  of  curiosity  or  of  passing  interest,  but 
as  means  of  direct  instruction  in  art,  archaeology,  and  natural  science.  It  would 
seem,  however,  that  this  truth  is  far  from  being  recognized.  As  yet,  but  few  are 
the  occasions  when  a lecture  or  a demonstration  is  offered  to  a school  or  class 
brought  to  a particular  gallery  for  instruction. 

If  lessons  could  be  given  to  students  from  the  visible  objects  and  specimens 
exhibited  in  the  Museum,  it  can  not  be  doubted  that  a more  living  interest  in  the 


lectures  and  publications. 


109 


sciences  that  they  illustrate  would  be  awakened  than  can  be  excited  by  the  more 
usual  modes  of  teaching  from  the  book. 

Until  this  method  is  generally  followed  it  can  not  be  said  that  the  British  Museum 
or  other  kindred  institutions  are  properly  appreciated  or  made  to  assist  as  the}7 
ought  the  progress  of  education. 

In  188S  the  librarian  enforced  the  importance  of  lectures  thus:  ' * * “The 

trustees  have  not  the  power  to  institute  a system  of  teaching  from  the  collections 
further  than  by  means  of  printed  catalogues  and  guides.  A few  very  valuable  lec- 
tures have  of  late  been  given  on  antiquities,  * * * and  it  may  lx:  hoped  that 

increased  attention  to  the  study  will  lead  to  an  extension  of  this  method  of  utilizing 
the  collections.” 

It  would  be  difficult  to  write  more  appositely  in  commendation  of  the 
scheme  herein  set  forth. 

Unhappily  for  the  librarian’s  recommendation  at  home,  the  cold, 
crowded  halls  of  the  British  Museum  are  insufficient  for  the  material 


No.  85. — Chamber  at  Aizrey.  Restoration. 


they  have  to  exhibit.  The  sentence  previous  to  the  above  extracts 
deplores  the  crowded  state  of  “the  basement  ’’  “ from  want  of  exhibiting 
space,’’  where  are  “stored,  rather  than  exhibited,  very  interesting  monu- 
ments of  antiquity — Roman  sepulchers,  Greek  inscriptions,  etc.’’  There 
can  be  no  accomodation  for  lectures  in  connection  with  the  present 
exhibition  halls. 

The  following  is  an  announcement  of  lectures  at  South  Kensington: 

A course  of  twelve  lectures  on  anatomy  as  applicable  to  the  arts  is  given  in  each 
term.  A course  of  forty  lectures  on  the  Historical  Development  of  Ornamental 
Art  is  given  each  year.  Other  lectures  will  be  delivered  occasionally  and  duly 
announced. 

Application  for  admission,  prospectuses,  or  other  information  should  be  made  at 

the  schools. 

There  is  an  annual  examination  for  prizes  in  all  schools  of  art,  and  a national 

competition. 


I IO 


EDUCATIONAL  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  GALLERIES. 


Second.  Publications:  Illustrated , instructive. 

The  Galleries,  as  they  practically  develop  into  an  institute  of  illustra- 
tion. will  publish  handbooks  critical  and  explanatory  of  each  depart- 
ment, like  those  of  the  Kensington  Museum  on  Spanish  art,  Persian  art, 
on  Furniture,  etc. 

The  following  is  an  entry  in  the  Guide  to  the  South  Kensington 
Museum  on  the  copious  list  of  its  publications: 

Handbooks. — Handbooks  of  Industrial  Art,  edited  by  William  Maskell,  M.  A. 
Textile  fabrics,  ivories,  majolica,  furniture,  musical  instruments,  bronzes,  glass, 
gold-  and  silversmiths’  work.  With  numerous  illustrations.  Compiled  from  the 
introductions  to  the  larger  works  on  the  same  subjects  named  alxrve.  is.  each;  in 
cloth,  is.  6d. 

This  is  a specimen  announcement  of  a list  of  sixty  publications  “ for 
sale  at  the  catalogue  stall.”  Other  titles  are,  “The  Trajan  Column  as 


No.  86. — Gallery  of  Francis  I,  Fontainebleau.  Restoration. 


reproduced  in  the  Museum,”  “Fictile  Ivories,”  “ Monuments  of  Early 
Christian  Art.”  ” Manual  of  Design,”  etc. 

All  the  material  thus  made  available  to  the  ]>eople  could  be  quickly 
supplied  from  our  National  Galleries;  and,  moreover,  the  novel  expe- 
dients above  provided  will  supply  matter  more  attractive  for  such 
publications  than  any  existing  institution. 

Each  restoration  of  an  ancient  or  modern  building  would  demand  its 
illustrated  catalogue  like  that  of  the  Pompeia,  of  which  235,000  have 
been  circulated,  and  which  is  now  a text-book  in  colleges. 

What  more  effective  historical  lessons  can  be  suggested  than  a book 
with  photogravures  of  the  102  illustrations  of  Roman  History,  by  Pi- 
nelli,  each  with  sufficient  text  to  explain  its  meaning;  and  these  repre- 
sentations imprinted  on  the  memory  from  paintings,  with  the  characters 
to  life  in  size  and  with  their  original  accessories? 


REPRODUCTIONS  FOR  SAI.E. 


I I I 


These  text-books,  catalogues,  and  all  essays,  treatises,  etc.,  emanating 
from  the  professors  of  the  institute,  would  be  sold  at  the  lowest  mini- 
mum of  cost  for  widest  possible  circulation. 

Photographs  in  like  manner  would  be  for  sale  of  all  interesting  objects, 
as  in  the  museums  of  Europe.  These  would  furnish  to  all  minor  collec- 
tions fac  similes  of  the  objects  in  the  National  Galleries  to  the  extent  of 
their  financial  resources.  Incidentally,  publications  and  photographs 
would  supply  exchanges  with  other  institutions  upon  the  plan  advocated 
by  Monsieur  Vattemare  a generation  ago. 

The  King  of  the  Belgians  commanded  an  historical  painting  of  great 
value,  upon  an  incident  of  national  history,  and  the  engraving  of  it  in 


No.  87. — Chamber  of  Marie  de  Medicis.  Restoration. 


best  execution  ; then  impressions  were  sold  at  a nominal  price,  that 
lowly  homes  of  his  subjects  coidd  be  adorned  with  a work  elevating  in 
influence  toward  patriotism  and  culture. 

In  like  manner  from  the  national  Capital  there  may  issue  to  distant 
hamlets  portrayals  of  the  national  history,  impressing  the  youth  of  the 
nation  with  its  crises  and  triumphs,  from  Washington  at  Trenton  to 
Lincoln  at  Gettysburg. 

This  suggestion  of  publications  for  other  institutions  indicates  another 
result  of  the  greatest  importance  to  the  entire  country,  viz  : 

Third.  Reproductions  of  all  objects  practicable  by  casts , electrotypes , etc. 

The  facilities  offered  by  foreign  institutions  for  the  distribution  of 
counterparts  of  their  objects  have  been  already  recited.  Our  country  is 
to  this  date  entirely  dependent  upon  them.  The  art  museums  of  our 


I 12 


EDUCATIONAL  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  GALLERIES. 


cities  and  colleges,  trifling  as  are  the  largest  of  them  in  comparison  with 
the  material  available,  are  all  now  dependent  upon  foreign  importations 
at  excessive  extra  expense.  Why  should  this  continue?  Why  should 
not  our  Government  establish  its  central  depository  of  models  from  which 
should  be  supplied  to  all  applicants  replica  at  minimum  cost? 

The  plan  of  the  National  Galleries  provides  for  basement  shops  beneath 
all  the  halls  for  such  purposes.  The  plastic  establishments  for  casts, 

potteries,  and  kilns  for  terra 
cottas,  laboratories  for  electro- 
types, etc. , mentioned  as  to  be 
provided,  should  cheapen  to 
the  utmost  art  products  for  the 
nation.  At  this  writing  I read 
of  a visit  of  directors  of  the  New 
York  Museum  to  the  Slater 
Museum,  for  examination  of 
an  importation  by  the  latter, 
in  view  of  an  expenditure  of 
$50,000  for  casts. 

Considering  their  cheapness 
the  nation  should  at  once  sup- 
ply all  that  are  desirable  to 
itself  at  its  Capital,  and  then 
establish  facilities  by  which 
communities  throughout  the 
land  may  have  the  choice  of 
all  for  their  use  at  the  least 
expense. 

An  illustration  of  the  zeal 
with  which  the  British  Gov- 
ernment .seeks  its  antiquarian 
materials  is  a published  “min- 
ute ’ ’ of  correspondence  of  Earl 
Granville,  1864,  of  the  com- 
mittee of  council  on  education, 
with  the  secretary  of  state  for 
foreign  affairs,  soliciting  his 
official  aid  through  Her  Majesty’s  representatives  at  Dresden,  Paris, 
Rome,  etc.,  in  procuring  information  as  to  objects  of  fine  art  or  art  work- 
manship, that  copies  may  lie  obtained.  The  vigor  of  the  search,  which 
was  “instructed”  by  Lord  John  Russell,  is  indicated  by  this  schedule: 

A.  The  private  collections  of  the  Sovereign  and  in  Royal  Palaces. 

B.  The  state  or  public  collections. 

C.  The  collections  of  the  church,  in  the  treasuries  of  cathedrals, 
churches,  monasteries,  etc. 


No.  88.— Court  in  the  palace  of  the  Infanta,  Saragossa, 
Spain.  Restoration. 


BUREAUS  OK  INFORMATION  BY  CORRESPONDENCE. 


D.  The  collections  of  towns,  guilds,  municipalities,  in  their  halls. 

K.  Well-known  collections  of  private  individuals  which  are  heirlooms 
of  permanent  collections. 

In  the  report  of  the  Kensington  Museum  of  1864  it  is  stated:  “Arrange- 
ments now  exist  by  which  every  object  of  the  art  collections  may  lie 
copied  by  some  one  of  the  many  processes.’’ 

The  United  States  can  not  claim  equality  in  intellectual  enterprise  with 
the  European  powers  until  they  enter  the  competition  for  its  rewards. 


No.  89. — Nomian  Gate,  College  Green.  Bristol,  England.  Restoration. 


Fourth.  The  institute  would  maintain  an  efficient  bureau  of  informa- 

Ition  and  correspondence.. 

This  department  would  not  only  facilitate  the  examination  of  the  col- 
lections, but  it  would  answer  inquiries  and  obtain  models  or  drawings,  as 
desired,  of  other  relevant  objects.  It  would  investigate  for  parties  at  a 
■ distance,  by  its  indexed  catalogue  of  engravings  above  proposed,  illus- 

trations in  the  lines  of  their  designs  or  investigations,  besides  the  cata- 
logues of  specimens  held  by  the  Galleries,  returning  descriptions 
thereof,  or  photographs  if  desired. 

Those  who  have  had  the  tedious  and  unsatisfactory  experience  of  a 
S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  2 8 


1 14  EDUCATIONAL  ADMINISTRATION  OK  THE  GALLERIES. 

search  in  the  large  libraries  of  our  cities  and  colleges  for  art  illustrations 
of  a special  theme  will  appreciate  the  superlative  usefulness  of  such 
collateral  aid.  If  the  duplicates  or  photographs  of  foreign  collections 
are  largely  obtained  and  thoroughly  indexed,  as  is  essential  to  their  use, 
this  bureau  of  information  would  l>e  easily  organized,  and  it  would 
be  a help  to  scholarly  and  artistic  labors  unequaled  of  its  kind. 

The  liberal  system  of  the  Boston  Public  Library  in  these  regards  is,  in 
many  details,  a model  for  all  literary  institutions.  It  issues  not  only 
catalogues,  but  bulletins,  upon  various  subjects  as  guides  to  readers  and 


No. 90.— German  Cloth,  Hall  Brunswick,  l-a^ade  in  restoration. 


investigators.  It  employs  assistants  to  answer  literary  inquiries,  either 
in  person  or  by  correspondence.  It  invites  requests  for  the  purchase  of 
books — new,  rare,  or  for  special  use.  It  maintains  its  agents  in  Europe 
to  answer  requsitions.  The  poor  student  may  apply  for  foreign  volumes 
upon  his  special  topic,  and  upon  their  receipt  a notification  will  be  sent 
to  him.  It  places  its  catalogues  and  an  express  service  at  branch  offices 
for  the  few  leisure  hours  of  the  mechanic.  Above  all,  it  trusts  the  people. 
From  its  beginning,  despite  predictions  of  robbery  and  damage,  it  has 
loaned  its  books  to  them  in  their  homes.  For  thirty  years  they  have 
demonstrated  their  integrity,  the  annual  loss  and  injury  having  been 


PATRONAGE  OF  ART. 


”5 

trifling.  Its  staff  numbers  nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty  persons;  its 
annual  expense  is  something  over  $100,000.  No  tax  upon  the  citizens 
is  more  cheerfully  accepted. 

These  details  are  appropriate  to  the  prospectus  here  discussed.  By 
similar  methods  the  institute  should  spread  forth  its  facilities  and  mul- 
tiply its  benefits.  It  should  be  the  servant,  diligent  and  painstaking,  of 
the  most  distant  American  citizen. 

Fifth.  Grandly  beneficent  and  stimulating  to  the  culture  of  the  nation 
would  be  the  patronage  of  art  by  the  National  Galleries. 

This  would  result  first  by  its  orders  for  the  series  of  historical  paintings 
described.  The  method  for  their  acquisition  has  already  been  indicated. 
It  involves  the  employment  of  preceptors,  both  of  general  scholarship 
and  artistic  manipulation;  the  one  to  supply  the  data,  the  other  to  direct 
their  acceptable  artistic  representation. 

Naturally  from  this  demand  would  follow,  competitions  in  design. 
These  should  be  an  annual  incident  of  the  institute  of  the  greatest  public 
interest.  They  would  necessitate  a salon  of  public  exhibition  of  cartoons 
and  an  award  of  prizes.  Art  would  be  consecrated  to  patriotism;  its 
works  would  be  diverted  to  heroic  inspirations,  rather  than  as  at  present, 
almost  entirely  to  fanciful,  romantic,  airy,  and  intangible  creations.' 

This  comment  would  in  no  wise  disparage  sentiment  and  imagination 
in  art.  Delicacy  and  spirituality  everywhere  environ  us  in  nature. 

The  zephyr  that  fans  us,  the  sun-rays  and  clouds,  make  the  glory  and 
beauty  of  the  heavens;  the  ethereal  world  of  artist  life,  and  of  his  imita- 
tive ambition.  In  the  spiritual  and  poetic  impulses  of  his  nature  he 
animates  that  airy  creation  with  angels  and  fairies  and  would  fain  bring 
them  down  to  earth  and  enliven  haunts  of  nature  for  their  paradise. 

1 1 cut  from  the  issue  of  the  New  York  Times,  of  the  date  of  this  writing  (April 
26),  a report  of  the  exhibits  at  the  next  salon: 

“The  list  of  pictures  opens  with  Bougereau’s  ‘ Cupid  in  a Storm;  ’ ‘ Love  as  a child, 
shivering  in  the  rain,’  etc.  We  must  pity  him  and  hasten  on!  We  proceed  to  read: 
Pelouse,  ‘ The  Morning  Dew;  ’ Fleury,  1 A Billet-doux;  ’ Marquan,  ‘ A Siren's  Sleeping- 
place;  ’ ‘Birth  of  the  Pearl;’  and  ‘Toilet  of  Ganswinthe.’  ” 

Of  58  pictures  recited  but  3 have  any  relation  to  history  or  knowledge,  viz, 
“ Lauren’s  Visit  of  Louis  XVI  to  the  Hotel  de  Ville,”  a painting  30  feet  by  12  feet,  and 
Roy’s  pictures  of  “The  Reveille  of  Solferino”  and  “The  Infantry  of  1835.”  The 
latter  reveal  a successor  in  subjects  to  Meissonier. 

The  exhibits  of  American  artists  number  54.  The  subjects  are  almost  entirely 
fanciful  and  imaginary,  save  a few  portraits  and  landscapes.  Mr.  Weeks  exhibits 
his  realistic  and  beautiful  Oriental  scenes;  Mr.  Humphrey  Moore,  of  New  York,  a 
scene  in  the  Alhambra,  and  Mr.  Clinton  Peters,  “A  twilight  scene  in  the  streets  of 
Paris,  fifteenth  century.”  These  clothe  facts  in  beauty  and  truth,  and  are  contribu- 
tions to  knowledge,  for  which  they  have  this  expression  of  indebtedness. 

In  the  same  issue  it  is  stated  that  the  art  dealer  Gill,  of  Springfield,  Mass.,  has 
sold,  from  his  last  collection  of  American  pictures,  60  canvasses.  The  first  named  is 
Warren  Shepard’s  “ Kearsarge  and  Alabama,”  for  51,200.  The  others  named  are 
all  fanciful:  “Snow-Flakes,”  “Coming,”  etc. 

Mr.  Shepard's  patriotic  choice  of  subject  merited  this  appreciative  notice. 


AID  TO  MECHANICAL  AND  DECORATIVE  ART. 


I 16 


These  are  the  fields  and  the  only  fields  for  some  artistic  souls,  that  may 
well  be  styled  ‘ ‘ impressionists,  ’ ’ and  when  they  can  seize  upon  and  fix 
their  visions,  art  is  in  its  most  fascinating  realm. 

Ihit  there  is  prose  as  well  as  poetry  in  life;  there  is  conflict  as  well  as 
romance;  there  is  the  clash  of  arms  as  well  as  the  sigh  of  the  lover;  and 
for  the  strength  of  the  race,  mental  and  moral,  art  should  be  somewhat 

diverted  from  sentimental  to 
actual  relations. 

Our  country  needs  its  aid  in 
reproducing  actualities  of  its 
past  history  that  shall  imprint 
upon  the  national  character 
integrity,  patriotism,  and  the 
heroic  virtues  upon  which  its 
existence  depends. 

Sixth.  Aid  to  media n ical and 
decorative  arts  will  be  one  of  the 
most  practical  and  valuable 
functions  of  the  Galleries. 

When  as  completely  organ- 
ized and  equipped  as  the  South 
Kensington  Museum,  the 
American  National  Galleries 
will  accomplish  for  the  people 
of  the  United  States  the  incal- 
culable benefits  of  the  former 
to  the  British  nation. 

The  result  of  its  forty  years 
operations  has  been  such  an 
impetus  to  British  decorative 
art  and  architecture  that  the 
nation  is  now  the  peer  of  Ger- 
many and  France  in  many 
departments  in  which,  pre- 
viously, it  was  an  inferior. 
European  nations,  not  con- 
tent with  their  accumulations  of  past  centuries,  have  followed  the  exam- 
ple of  the  Kensington  Museum.  The  Austrian  Museum  of  Art,  founded 
1863,  and  the  Germanic  Museum,  at  Nuremberg,  for  promotion  of  Ger- 
man historical  research,  greatly  enlarged  since  1865,  are  evidences  of 
their  zeal. 

Paris,  in  addition  to  its  famous  galleries,  has  its  Musee  des  Arts  Dec- 
oratifs,  with  corresponding  and  interchanging  museums  in  the  larger 
cities.  Eight  thousand  students  attend  lectures  in  Paris.  In  the  Ecole 
des  Beaux  Arts  there  are  twenty-one  professors  of  the  highest  rank. 


No.  91. — Schonnen 


Brunneu,  Nuremberg, 
tion. 


Kestora- 


EMPLOYMENT  OF  EDUCATED  STAFF. 


II? 


It  is  unpleasant  to  contrast  with  these  facts  that,  in  these  lines  of 
investigation,  our  country  has  at  its  Capital  attempted  nothing. 

To  the  beneficence  of  an  Englishman  we  are  indebted  for  an  institution 
of  which  we  may  lie  proud — the  Smithsonian.  It  has  won  position  for 
ability  and  efficiency  equal  to  all  other  scientific  organizations  of  the  world. 

But  its  labor,  of  a technical  and  philosophical  nature,  is  in  distinct 
demarcation  from  the  field  designated  for  the  proposed  institution.1 

Seventh.  Employment  of  a refined  and  educational  nature  for  men  and 
women  would  result  upon  a large  scale  from  the  activities  of  the  institute. 


At  the  outset,  the  constructions  would  employ  ordinary  and  mechanical 

labor. 


1 It  covers  the  ethnology,  ornithology,  geology,  etc.;  the  entire  natural  history  of 
our  territory.  It  explores,  analyzes,  and  reveals  the  mineral  treasures  of  our  land. 
It  pursues  with  the  keenest  scientific  observation  the  animalculoe  that  may  infect 
the  air,  the  water,  or  the  products  of  our  country.  It  is  now  crowded  with  material 
gathered  in  the  exploration  and  development  of  our  territories. 

It  should  have  the  National  Museum  enlarged  to  receive  collections  that  have  of 
late  been  refused;  and  large  appropriations  of  money  for  its  worthy  uses. 

In  enthusiasm  for  the  purpose  of  its  organization,  its  regency  will  eagerly  indorse 
this  proposed  institution,  as  a complement  to  their  own  for  the  “dissemination  of 
knowledge  among  men.” 

The  National  Museum  at  Washington  covers  2.35  acres,  and  is  one  of  the  best 
structures  in  the  world  for  its  purposes.  The  accumulations  of  material  for  its  pur- 


1 18 


EDUCATIONAL  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  GALLERIES. 


The  operation  and  expansion  of  its  educational  work  would  demand 
curators,  artists,  sculptors,  photographers,  electrotypers,  molders,  clerks, 
guides,  gardeners,  mechanics,  watchmen,  janitors,  laliorers,  etc. 

If  the  Boston  Public  Library  employs  150  persons,  in  stimulating 
knowledge,  from  its  one  resource  — lx>oks — the  Galleries  would  demand 
more,  in  the  care,  increase,  and  utilization  of  its  material.  Such  a pay 
roll  would  be  unsurpassed,  for  compensating  beneficence,  in  the  files  of  the 
National  Treasury.  What  contrast  to  the  oppressive  and  exhaustive 
burdens  upon  European  nations  for  maintenance  of  armies  in  idleness! 
A percentage  of  this  outlay  would  be  added  to  the  cost  of  casts  and  other 
reproductions  sold  throughout  the  United  States,  lessening  by  a credit 
account  the  draft  upon  the  National  Treasury. 

It  is  related  that  Louis  XYI  employed  30,000  soldiers  upon  the  pleas- 
ure parks  of  his  royal  domain  at  Versailles.  It  is  a direful  necessity 
that  the  nation  must  now  appropriate  heavily  to  warlike  defenses;  although 
a satisfaction  that  the  disbursement  gives  employment  to  artisans,  and 
that  war  ships  continue  to  others  a support.  What  greater  return  would 
flow  from  an  expenditure  that  maintained  a proportionate  establishment 
for  mental  elevation  of  the  people! 

Further  illustrations  of  temples  and  dwellings  are  inserted,  specimens 
desirable  for  entire  or  partial  reconstruction. 

poses  now  awaiting  space  for  exhibition  demand  a duplicate  of  the  present  building, 
for  which  plans  are  prepared.  But  to  show  how  completely  distinct  its  useful  fields 
of  study  and  illustration  are  from  the  proposed  National  Galleries,  the  following 
statement  is  quoted  from  President  J.  C.  Welling,  LL.  D.,  of  the  Columbian 
U ni versity , Wash i ngton : 

“The  National  Museum  has  twenty-two  distinct  scientific  departments  under  its 
jurisdiction:  The  departments  of  comparative  anatomy,  of  mammals,  of  birds,  of 
reptiles,  of  fishes,  of  mollusks,  of  insects,  of  marine  invertebrates,  of  plants,  of  fossil 
vertebrates,  of  Paleozoic  fossil  invertebrates,  of  Mesozoic  fossil  invertebrates,  of 
Cenozoic  fossil  invertebrates,  of  fossil  plants,  of  geology  and  petrology,  of  mineral- 
ogy, of  metallurgy  and  mining,  of  prehistoric  archaeology,  of  ethnology,  of  oriental 
antiquities,  of  American  aboriginal  pottery,  of  arts  and  industries,  comprising,  under 
these  last-named  heads,  numismatics,  graphic  arts,  foods,  textiles,  fisheries,  historical 
relics,  materia  medica,  naval  architecture,  history  of  transportation,  etc. 

“ Each  of  these  departments  is  placed  under  a curator,  and  is  provided  with  the 
necessary  appliances  for  original  research;  and  these  appliances  are  yearly  increasing 
in  completeness  and  efficiency.” 


ESTIMATED  COST  OF  THE  GALLERIES— A CENTRAL  AND 
MOST  ADVANTAGEOUS  SITE  IN  WASHINGTON;  NOW 
UNIMPROVED  AND  CHEAPLY  AVAILABLE— THE 
FUTURE  OF  WASHINGTON. 


In  America  literature  and  the  elegant  arts  must  grow  up  side  by  side  with  the 
coarser  plants  of  daily  necessity. — Irving. 

Young  America  will  soon  be  what  Athens  was. — Wendrll  Phillips. 

The  true  grandeur  of  humanity  is  in  moral  elevation,  sustained,  enlightened,  and 
decorated  by  the  intellect  of  man. — Charles  Sumner. 

The  building  of  the  Casa  Monica  involved  all  the  data  pertaining  to 
the  cost  of  concrete  construction.  That  structure  has  now  stood  four 
years  with  increase  of  solidity  and  enhancement  of  beauty  in  color. 

The  Pompeia  has  supplied  an  example,  in  a finer  mixture  of  sand  and 
concrete  only,  upon  the  lines  of  the  Roman  Doric  order — precisely  the 
material  and  forms  proposed  in  the  design  herewith  submitted. 

The  cost  at  Washington  will  be  considerably  less  than  at  St.  Augus- 
tine, by  the  saving  in  shipment  of  cement  the  long  distance  to  Florida. 

For  sand  there  would  be  a water  transportation  directly  to  a site  upon 
the  Potomac.  These  are  the  cheapest  possible  conditions. 

As  authoritative  from  an  architect  of  fifty  years’  practice,  and  in  the  prac- 
tical use  of  beton  (concrete)  in  the  Cathedral  of  New  York,  the  estimated 
cost  of  Mr.  James  Renwick  from  his  above-quoted  letter  is  appended : 

With  regard  to  the  cost  of  the  galleries  and  corner  towers,  it  will  of  course  be 
dependent  on  the  favorable  or  unfavorable  position  on  which  the  building  is  located. 

I have  made  the  following  estimate  for  ioo  feet  of  the  Galleries,  with  a basement 
10  feet  high  and  foundations  carried  5 feet  below  the  surface  of  the  ground.  The 
galleries  are  32  feet  high  and  35  feet  wide,  and  the  colonnades  25  feet  high  and  13 
feet  broad  each,  and  the  building  is  supposed  to  stand  011  level  ground  : 


.The  estimate  is  as  follows  : 

Excavation,  1,700  cubic  yards #<800 

Concrete  in  whole  building,  48,650  cubic  feet,  at  25 

cents 12,163 

Models  of  columns,  etc 2, 000 

Iron  beams,  34,250  pounds,  at  5 cents 1,  800 

7,600  feet  of  roof  and  skylight 7,  600 

Twenty  windows  in  basement 500 

One-eighth  of  coi  ner  towers,  estimated  at 6, 000 

Heating  by  steam 500 


Total  cost  of  100  feet  of  Galleries 
This  is  probably  a safe  estimate,  within  7 per  cent. 
Yours,  truly, 


31.363 


James  Renwick. 
119 


120 


CHINESE  CONSTRUCTION 


No.  95— Norwegian  church,  Hitterdal.  Twelfth  Century.  No.  96.— Russian  cathedral,  Vassili  Blankskency,  No.  97. —Egyptian  Mosque  of  Kailbey  Restoration. 
Model.  Moscow.  Sixteenth  Century.  Model. 


122 


COST  OF  THE  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


The  item  of  models  in  the  above  estimate  may  lie  averaged  over  i ,000 
feet  of  galleries,  but  the  alxjve  figures  make  the  cost  of  20,000  feet 
range  of  galleries;  that  is,  all  upon  the  ground  plan,  angle  towers 
included,  complete,  about  $6, 000, 000. 

It  is  estimated  that  $4,000,000  additional  would  construct  the  Parthe- 
nonic  temples  and  many  other  historical  buildings  and  objects. 

One  million  dollars  will  construct  the  Roman  and  Greek  galleries,  and 
another  will  richly  supply  them  with  illustrative  material  of  the  greatest 
educational  value.  Could  this  specimen  be  accomplished,  public  interest 
would  quickly  demand  the  entirety. 

It  seems  almost  needless  to  argue  as  to  the  ability  of  the  country  to 
command  at  once  the  entire  work  and  hasten  to  the  present  generation 
its  resultant  benefits. 

It  would  be  less  than  the  cost  of  the  United  States  Capitol,  of  the 
Brooklyn  Bridge,  of  the  State  House  of  New  York,  or  of  the  City  Hall 
of  Philadelphia.' 

When  the  first  paper  in  behalf  of  the  National  Galleries  was  prepared, 
it  was  assumed,  in  ignorance  of  the  contrary,  that  the  institution  must  l>e 
placed  in  the  suburbs  of  Washington.  It  was  suggested  that  a land 
syndicate  would  give  250  acres  from  a tract  of,  say,  1,000  acres,  for  the 
enhancement  in  value  of  the  remainder.  Inquiry  at  Washington  of 
owners  of  extensive  tracts  emphatically  confirmed  the  opinion.2 

This  anticipated  provision  of  land  gratis  was  stated  in  the  “brief" 
upon  the  National  Galleries  prepared  for  the  press  at  its  first  presenta- 
tion in  Washington  in  December,  1890.  It  brought  a gratifying  surprise 

■The  Grand  Opera  House,  Paris,  cost  $9,otx>,(xx>. 

The  Capitol  has  cost  $17,000000. 

The  new  State,  War  and  Navy  Building,  $10,000,000. 

The  new  building  for  the  Congressional  Library  is  to  cost  $6,000,000. 

Chicago  spent  last  year  $59,000,000  on  buildings  that  on  one  side  of  a street  would 
extend  over  50  miles.  New  York  spent  $74,900,812. 

The  combined  expenditure  of  the  United  States  and  foreign  countries  for  the 
Columbian  Exposition  is  estimated  at  $40,000,000. 

The  appropriations  of  the  last  Congress  will  amount  to  more  than  $1,000,000,000. 

The  cost  of  the  ship  of  war,  the  Ohio , for  one  year  of  service,  was  $220,000 ; of 
Harvard  College,  $47,935.  In  other  words,  the  annual  sum  lavished  on  a single  ship 
of  the  line  equals  that  paid  for  four  institutions  like  Harvard  University. — The  True 
Grandeur  of  Nations,  Sumner’s  Oration,  July  4,  1S50. 

- The  author  is  advised  by  prominent  residents  of  Washington  to  make  the  follow- 
ing statement,  in  consideration  of  the  speculative  interest  frequently  associated  with 
enterprises  affecting  values  of  adjacent  real  estate,  viz:  That  he  does  not  own  a foot 
of  land  in  the  city  of  Washington  or  its  neighborhood,  nor  has  he  any  intention  of 
such  ownership,  and  that  he  is  not  acquainted  with  the  proprietor  of  any  land  west 
of  the  Treasury  Department.  Fortunately,  the  Observatory  tract,  if  condemned  at 
once  by  the  Government,  is  beyond  speculative  monopoly,  while  its  Ixmndaries  pre- 
vent anv  realization  of  increased  value  except  on  the  north;  all  which  line  is  now 
held  by  manv  individual  owners  in  homestead.  The  tract  is  bounded  on  the  west  by 
the  Potomac  River;  on  the  east  and  south  by  Government  parks. 


COMPARATIVELY  CHEAP  CONSTRUCTIONS. 


123 


from  Colonel  Anderson,  secretary  of  the  Washington  Board  of  Trade, 
viz,  that  the  best  possible  site  was  available  in  the  premises  of  the 
National  Observatory,  upon  the  Potomac,  and  the  adjacent  block,  as 
indicated  upon  the  plans  of  Washington.  This  site  was  described  as 
follows,  in  his  argument  before  the  Senate  Committee  upon  a World’s 
Exposition,  January  10,  1S90: 

One  of  the  most  important  features  is  an  easily  accessible  site,  and  to  illustrate 
the  wonderful  advantages  Washington  has  in  this  respect  over  all  other  lities  I 
invite  your  attention  to  the  accompanying  diagram  illustrating  the  last-mentioned 
site.  [This  was  the  plan,  fig.  7.] 

The  existing  park  extending  from  the  Capitol  to  the  Monument  and  Executive 
Mansion  contains  300  acres.  Over  700  more  acres  will  soon  be  added  by  the  recla- 
mation of  the  Potomac  Flats,  and  220  more  can  be  added  by  using  the  grounds  of 
the  Observatory,  which  is  soon  to  be  removed,  and  by  condemning  the  adjoining 
and  comparatively  unimproved  property  between  F and  B streets  and  the  State 
Department  and  Observatory.  These  220  acres  are  above  the  flood  line,  well  adapted 


No.  98. — The  old  Observatory  building. 


to  drainage  and  most  desirable  for  permanent  buildings.  All  street-car  lines  con- 
verge toward  or  run  parallel  with  it.  All  s earn  lines  from  the  North.  South,  and 
West  enter  it,  except  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad,  and  that  adjoins  it.  The 
Potomac  River  faces  it. 

Attention  is  invited  to  the  important  fact  that  vessels  can  land  and  unload  their 
freights  at  wharves  immediately  adjoining  the  grounds. 

The  tract  occupies,  about  25  acres  of  this  tract,  which  are  now  being 
vacated.  It  rises  to  60  feet  above  the  Potomac,  about  the  level  of  the 
Capitol.  From  this  it  slopes  to  the  Potomac  on  the  west  and  the  Presi- 
dential grounds  on  the  east.  Topographically  it  is  all  that  could  be 
desired  for  a realization  of  the  design  for  the  Galleries. 


124 


THE  NAVAL  OBSERVATORY — EXPEDIENT  SITE. 


It  is  of  the  highest  importance  that  they  should  lie  centrally  located 
in  the  national  metropolis.  Its  attractions  would  invite  the  longest 
stay  possible  by  the  people  who  would  come  from  afar  to  study  and  enjoy 
them,  and  who  would  suffer  both  in  time  and  money  by  travel  to  a distance 
in  the  suburbs. 

The  British  Museum  and  the  Kensington  are  in  the  heart  of  London  ; 
and  the  Louvre,  Luxembourg,  Ecole  des  Beaux  Arts,  andCluny  Museums 
are  likewise  in  the  center  of  Paris.  A university  may  well  be  located 
in  retirement,  but  a museum  should  l>e  directly  in  the  public  pathway. 
Nothing  more  could  be  desired  in  this  regard  for  the  Galleries  than  the 
Observatory  site,  adjoining  the  Executive  and  departmental  buildings. 

The  remainder  of  the  tract  eastward  to  Seventeenth  street,  described 


No.  99. — View  of  land  eastward  from  Naval  Observatory. 


by  the  secretary  of  the  Board  of  Trade  in  the  note  appended,  is  now  in 
the  unsightly  condition  pictured  from  photographs  herewith.  A portion 
of  it  is  the  common  dumping  ground  of  the  city.  The  tract  is  held  by 
very  many  owners,  and  can  never  be  redeemed  from  its  present  shabbi- 
nesss  except  by  a general  condemnation.  .Since  it  adjoins  the  grounds 
of  the  Executive  Mansion  and  the  Washington  Monument,  such  action 
seems  inevitable,  and  the  more  speedily  it  is  accomplished  the  less  will 
be  the  draft  upon  the  National  Treasury. 

It  is  a remarkably  encouraging  fact  toward  this  enterprise,  that  the 
site  of  the  Observatory  buildings  is  now  graded  and  terraced,  precisely 
as  wanted  for  the  Columbian  and  American  temples.  The  area  within 
the  walls  is  alxmt  19  acres,  with  1,100  feet  range  north  and  south,  ample 


TRACT  ADJOINING  OBSERVATORY. 


1^5 

to  contain  the  dominant  structures.  In  a twelvemonth  their  magnificent 
elevation  might  be  added  to  the  architectural  grandeur  of  the  National 

Capital. 1 

Such  a result  would  stimulate  the  patriotic  pride  of  the  nation  in  the 
seat  of  its  representative  authority. 

The  location  of  the  Capital  was  originally  in  compromise  of  competition 
between  States  for  its  possession.  Situated  on  the  midway  line  of  the 
North  and  the  South,  its  improvement  was  retarded  for  three-quarters  of 


No.  loo. — Premises  adjoining  the  Observatory,  eastward. 


a century  by  the  sectional  conflicts  which  culminated  in  civil  war.  The 
final  adjustment  reestablished  a faith  in  the  permanency  of  the  Union 
that  was  expressed  in  the  immediate  aggrandizement  of  Washington. 

1 Since  the  above  was  prepared  for  the  press.  the  followir  g gratifying  -nm  ■ unce- 
ment is  made: 

“The  Corcoran  Art  Gallery  has  bought  a large  piece  of  land  in  Washington  on 
New  York  avenue  and  Seventeenth  street,  running  through  t.  • E street.  It  is  an 
irregular  plot,  having  340  feet  on  the  avenue.  260  on  Seventeenth  street,  and  292  on 
E street.  The  cost  of  this  land  was  5154.022.  and  only  the  alisolute  need  of  the  gal- 
lery for  a larger  building  would  have  induced  the  trustees  to  spend  so  much  on  a 
new  site.  The  constant  rise  of  price  in  real  estate  at  the  Capital  i>  an.  >ther  reason 
for  immediate  action.'* 

The  property  described  is  in  the  front  easterly  line  of  the  block  suggested  for  the 
National  Galleries,  opposite  the  extension  of  the  grounds  of  the  Executive  Mansi  n 
' v.  Plans,  figs.  6 and  7 The  Corcoran  Gallery . to  continue  for  generations,  as  we 
hope,  to  gather  the  gems  of  art.  will  thus  be  located  at  the  entrance  of  our  supposed 
Park  Istoria.  If  the  Government  secures,  as  it  ought,  the  block  of  220  acres,  then 
the  Corcoran  Gallery  will  be  provided  for  future  expansion  without  further  expendi- 
ture for  land. 

It  is  an  opportune  encouragement  that  the  trustees  have  located  precisely  where 
the  theory  of  the  present  scheme  would  have  chosen. 


1 26 


A CONVENIENT  LOCATION. 


The  original  magnificent  scale  of  the  French  engineer,  L’ Enfant,  the 
friend  of  General  Washington,  after  the  general  plan  of  Versailles,  as 
proportionate  to  the  future  of  the  Republic,  was  found  to  be  none  too 
grand,  but  only  commensurate  with  its  promise. 

The  Capitol  was  enlarged  in  grandeur,  rivaling  all  governmental 
structures  of  the  world.  Secretary  Seward  pronounced  it  unequaled, 
after  his  tour  around  the  world.  Its  classic  style,  appropriate  for  the 
dignity  of  legislative  uses,  accords  with  that  of  its  counterpart  advocated. 

The  shaft  of  the  monumental  obelisk  that  had  stayed  incomplete  for 
twenty-one  years,  as  if  uncertain  of  its  story  of  success  or  failure  to 
posterity,  was  carried  to  its  apex,  above  all  human  constructions. 

Executive  departments  were  established  in  stateliness  of  construction 
and  extent  of  capacity,  prophetic  of  the  expansion  of  the  nation  whose 
will  and  power  they  administered. 

Liberal  appropriations  were  applied  to  the  transformation  of  Washington 
from  its  previous  forlorn  aspect  of  indifference  and  neglect. 

When  the  representatives  of  States  that  had  been  at  war  reassembled 
for  restoration  of  their  legislative  halls  to  service  of  peace  and  good 
will,  social  reconciliation  and  amenities  replaced  personal  animosities 
and  assaults.  A cordiality  in  private  life  ensued  that  has  made  Wash- 
ington exceptional  for  hospitality. 

Increased  expenditure  for  scientific  and  literary  interests  attracted 
hither  appreciative  patrons  to  enjoy  them.  Washington  became  the 
center  of  American  historical  material,  to  which  rich  accessions  were 
made  by  purchase  of  the  Force  and  other  private  collections.  These 
increasing  intellectual  resources  have  drawn  to  it  a residential  class  of 
affluent  and  scholarly  people,  who  find  it  more  congenial  than  any  other 
American  city. 

It  is  now  assured  to  lie  a continental  focus  of  refined,  intelligent 
society,  secure  from  the  turmoil  and  obstructions  of  commerce  and  the 
discords  of  manufacturing  communities. 

These  influences  have  combined  to  stimulate  the  growth  and  adorn- 
ment of  the  capital  at  an  unprecedented  rate.  Washington  is  rapidly 
centralizing  within  itself  both  the  federal  and  popular  sentiment  of  the 
American  people.  Its  forty-four  allied  sovereignties  consolidate  therein 
the  great  functions  which  they  have  delegated  for  common  weal  and 
defence.  The  constituents  of  these  states  recognize  that  the  incidents 
of  their  local  history  and  ancestral  pride,  the  crises  of  Bunker  Hill,York- 
town,  and  New  Orleans,  aggregate  in  an  example  of  world-wide  benefi- 
cence beneath  the  dome  of  their  National  Legislature. 

Never  in  the  history  of  mankind  has  a city  been  favored  with  a fairer  and 
more  potential  promise. 

Founded  upon  the  popular  devotion  of  65,000,000  people,  the  material 
exponent  of  their  union  in  liberty  and  fraternity,  it  will  inevitably  reflect 
their  interest  and  liberality.  They  are  proud  of  its  elevation  upon  the 


TRANSFORMATION  OF  WASHINGTON. 


127 


common  foundation  of  their  political  system — a universal  elementary 
education;  as  the  sanctuary  of  their  charter  of  freedom — a national 
constitution;  of  its  multiplied  charms  of  rural  beauty;  its  facilities  for 
rational  enjoyment  of  social  life.  This  legitimate  pride  will  constitute 
an  important  element  in  the  patriotism  that  must  defend  the  national 
life.  It  will  be  wise  to  stimulate  such  national  ambition;  to  foster 
rivalry  with  the  old  nations  in  all  intellectual  expedients  that  shall 
parallel  a preeminent  advance  in  the  science  of  government. 

Washington  must  become  a glory  of  the  Republic,  beyond  its  posses- 
sion of  national  force,  in  its  resources  for- knowledge,  its  grandeur  of  art 
and  architecture.  As  the  Hellenes  materialized  their  intellectual  con- 
ceptions and  aspirations  on  the  Acropolis,  Americans  will  henceforth 
centralize  the  illustration  of  their  achievements  and  aims  in  the  National 
Capital.  They  will  rear  its  counterpart  in  a complete  and  harmonious 
temple  of  knowledge. 

The  time  has  come  for  its  commencement.  The  desire  for  knowledge 
by  the  people  waits  for  the  use  of  their  abundant  wealth  to  aid  its 
acquisition. 1 

1 It  is  repellent  to  place  in  such  connection  the  mercenary  advantages  that  would 
residt.  We  will  leave  to  the  financier  and  investor  calculations  as  to  the  pecuniary 
result  to  real-estate  owners  in  Washington  and  holders  of  securities  upon  railroads 
diverging  therefrom  when  Washington  shall  have  become  “both  the  Berlin  and 
Paris  of  America,”  in  its  attraction  thither  of  thousands  of  resident  scholars  and 
students  by  the  unequaled  advantages  of  its  National  Galleries;  when  many  more 
thousands  shall  flow  to  it  from  all  sections  of  the  country  as  the  richest  center  of 
the  world  for  practical  and  diversified  object  illustration. 

Transportation  companies,  landholders,  tradesmen  may  readily  figure  that  they 
will  receive  in  return  more  than  the  interest  of  the  investment. 

The  enormous  advance  in  Washington  real  estate  the  last  ten  years  is  a basis  for 
prophecy  of  the  future. 

In  i860  its  population  was  61,122;  in  1890,  220,000. 


No.  101. — Nozze  Aldsbrandini— The  Marriage — From  the  Baths  of  Titus. 


WAYS  AND  MEANS  FOR  THE  NATIONAL  GALLERIES. 


If  a mart  do  not  erect  in  this  age  his  own  tomb  ere  he  dies,  he  shall  live  no  longer 
in  monument  than  the  bell  rings  and  the  widow  weeps. — SHAKESPEARE. 

Who  that  surveys  this  span  of  earth  we  press, 

This  speck  of  life  in  Time’s  great  wilderness, 

This  narrow  isthmus  ’twixt  two  boundless  seas, 

The  past,  the  future,  two  eternities! 

Would  sully  the  bright  spot  or  leave  it  bare 
When  he  might  build  him  a proud  temple  there, 

A name  that  long  shall  hallow  all  its  space 
And  be  each  purer  soul’s  high  resting  place! 

— Moore. 

The  first  announcement  of  this  enterprise  to  the  public  was  by  a brief 
of  this  paper  prepared  for  a meeting  of  Congressional  press  correspond- 
ents at  the  Arlington  Hotel,  Washington,  December  27,  1890.  From 
that  summary  several  of  the  largest  journals  of  the  country  published 
copious  details,  with  strong  commendation  of  the  object. 

These  articles  caused  mention  of  the  matter  from  Maine  to  Shasta, 
Cal.,  and  Oshkosh,  Wis.,  without  unfavorable  comment  from  seventy 
notices  received,  except  in  three  or  four  instances.  These  few  considered 
the  extent  of  the  constructions  excessive,  but  with  good  reason  in  misap- 
prehension of  the  plan.  They  assumed  that  the  whole  area  was  to  be 
covered  with  roofs,  whereas  the  open  courts  of  3 to  6 acres  each  require 
30  to  40  acres  of  ground.  This  misconception  suggested  the  evidence 
128 


FINANCIAL  CONSIDERATIONS.  1 29 

given,  that  alltlie  floor  area  upon  the  plan,  if  ultimately  provided,  will 
be  less  than  that  of  single  constructions  in  Europe. 

Shall  the  richest  nation  of  the  world,  claiming  the  highest  average 
intelligence,  supply  themselves  with  less  intellectual  facilities  than  those 
of  other  nations  — the  legacies  of  monarchical  institutions?  The  Peri- 
clean  age  of  Greece  and  the  Augustan  age  of  Rome,  the  glory  of  one  and 
the  grandeur  of  the  other,  rose  upon  a basis  of  republican  institutions. 

The  splendor  and  extent  of  the  French  Exposition  of  1889,  surpassing 
all  its  predecessors  despite  the  nonconcurrence  of  neighboring  sovereigns, 
united  the  enthusiasm  of  the  people.  It  wrought  its  richest  result  to  the 
nation  in  the  firm  establishment  and  recognition  of  its  republican 
government. 

This  argument  is  relevant  to  the  problem  of  ways  and  means  for  the 
establishment  and  maintenance  upon  the  largest  scale  of  the  National  Gal- 
leries. History7  has  demonstrated  that  an  intelligent  people,  aspiring  to 
intellectual  elevation,  will  command  all  possible  aid  from  their  unstinted 
resources.  When  the  people  are  ‘ ‘ enflamed  with  the  study  of  learning 
and  the  admiration  of  virtue,  ’ ’ when  they  seize  upon  the  promise  and  crave 
the  pleasure  of  mental  cultivation,  their  legislators  will  voice  their  eager- 
ness and  supply  the  means.  The  aggregate  voluntary  expenditure  of  the 
nation  — State,  municipal,  and  private  — for  educational  purposes  has 
steadily  increased. 

Six  months’  interest  on  the  appropriations  of  the  Fifty-fifth  Congress, 
at  2}4  per  cent,  would  supply  $12,500,000,  more  than  ample  to  build  and 
equip  the  needed  institution. 

Were  the  entire  cost  of  the  National  Galleries  voted  at  once,  not  an 
individual  in  the  nation  would  be  conscious  of  the  fact  as  affecting  his 
property  or  income.  But  the  expenditure  would  necessarily  be  protracted 
through  several  years. 

New  York  subscribed  $5,000,000  for  a Columbian  Exposition.  The 
appropriation  of  $10,000,000  during  five  or  ten  y'ears  from  the  National 
Treasury  is  a trifle  in  comparison.  The  latter  would  be  for  an  enduring 
result;  the  former  was  for  the  temporary'  show  of  a season. 

Information  of  the  Observatory  site  and  the  coincidence  of  its  early 
abandonment  for  the  new  premises  awaiting  occupation  give  great 
encouragement  for  its  immediate  appropriation  to  the  National  Gal 
leries. 

The  Fiftieth  Congress  made  one  record  of  prompt  and  unanimous  action 
for  the  people’s  prospective  satisfaction,  greatly  to  its  honor.  It  is  a 
precedent  quite  unusual  of  patriotic  suppression  of  partisanship  that  may 
be  an  example,  illustrious  in  future  imitation. 

On  the  23d  of  August,  1890,  the  Committee  on  Public  Lands  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  reported  a bill  “to  set  apart  a certain  tract  of 
land  in  California  known  as  the  Yosemite  Valley'  forever  as  a public  park.  ’ ’ 
It  was  passed  the  same  day  without  a division.  On  the  25th  of  August 
S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  2 9 


130 


CONGRESSIONAL  APPROPRIATIONS. 


the  bill  was  referred  to  the  Senate  Committee  on  Public  Lands.  It  was 
returned  to  the  Senate  on  the  8th  of  September,  and  passed  without 
debate  in  fourteen  days  from  its  report  to  the  House. 

That  bill  preserved  for  the  nation  groves  of  the  gigantic  Sequoia  trees 
from  the  ax  of  the  woodman. 

The  enterprise  herein  commended  to  legislative  adoption  and  main- 
tenance will  plant  “all  manner  of  trees’’  of  knowledge,  in  more  than 
restoration  of  the  classic  groves  of  Hellenic  philosophy,  that  shall  yield 
the  richest  fruitage  of  ancient  art  and  wisdom,  enhanced  in  the  light  of 
modern  development. 

It  will  be  a demonstration  of  the  intelligence  that  underlies  American 
institutions  if  such  beneficent  aims  can  be  as  quickly  promoted  with  zeal 
and  unanimity  by  their  representatives. 

The  wise  and  encouraging  opinion  of  Senator  Hawley  (see  frontis- 
piece) is  here  repeated;  for,  in  the  judgment  of  many  who  have 
indorsed  it  emphatically,  it  solves  the  problem  of  ways  and  means  for 
the  National  Galleries: 

I BELIEVE  THAT  IF  A SECTION  OF  THE  EGYPTIAN  AND  ROMAN  COURTS  AND  GAL- 
LERIES CAN  BE  BUILT  WITH  THE  ILLUSTRATIONS  PROPOSED,  THE  RICH  MEN  OF  THE 
COUNTRY  WILL  RAPIDLY  COMPLETE  THE  SERIES.’  THEY  WILL  WELCOME  A SCHEME 
OF  SUCH  MATERIAL  AND  PERMANENT  USEFULNESS.  THE  PEOPLE  GENERALLY  WILL 
FREELY  CONTRIBUTE  BUILDINGS  OR  OBJECTS  REQUIRED. 

They  would  be  the  most  lasting  monuments  to  their  memory.— [Senator 
Hawley. 

If  the  above  petition  to  Congress  for  the  17  acres  of  land  required 
could  be  supplemented  by  the  offer  of  one  or  more  citizens  to  contribute 
$150,000  for  construction,  decoration,  and  supply  of  100  feet  range  each 
of  the  Egyptian  and  Roman  Courts  and  Galleries,  located  according  to 
the  general  plan  as  a demonstration  of  the  full  design,  there  would  be 
great  assurance  of  its  rapid,  entire  completion. 

The  Government  would  need  only  to  supply  the  land. 

An  appeal  would  follow  to  the  people  of  the  United  States  to  finish 
all,  according  to  published  detail  drawings  and  descriptions  of  material 
required  to  fit  and  fill  them  for  use. 

The  preparation  of  said  plans  and  lists  is  the  work  now  in  hand  for 
the  writer. 

Their  accomplishment  depends  not  solely  upon  “ the  rich  men  of  the 
country.”  All  the  people  can  contribute  with  individual  gifts  of  objects 
from  values  of  $5  to  $50,000. 

In  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients  is  placed  a superb  copy  of  Vasi’s  plan  of 
Rome,  6 by  3)4  feet,  1765.  It  was  purchased  for  £2  at  auction  in  London 
for  the  Galleries  by  a book-dealer — friend  of  the  writer — with  just  the 
above  amount  ($10)  sent  by  the  widow  of  a Boston  clergyman  “ to  buy 
something  for  the  Galleries."  With  other  gifts  it  is  held  in  trust  for  the 


1 See  addenda  No.  4. 


GALLERIES  TO  BE  CONSTRUCTED  AND  FILLED  BY  GIFTS. 


131 


coming  National  Galleries  of  the  United  States,  framed  under  glass  at 
more  than  the  cost  of  the  plate. 

The  descriptive  Handbook  of  the  supposed  Galleries  complete  will  give 
opportunities  for  memorials  in  perpetuum  of  patriotic  liberality. 

One  can  give  a cast  for  $5  to  $50;  engravings,  photographs  up  to  one  of 
the  Pinelli  series,  10  by  7 feet,  such  as  is  sampled  (V.,  p.  — ),  at  $150. 
A donor  can  construct  a temple,  a cloister,  or  a house,  or  give  models 
thereof,  at  all  ranges  of  cost,  or  build 
100  feet  of  gallery  complete  at  from 
$50,000  to  $75,000. 

Artists  can  give  paintings  upon 
subjects  prescribed,  sculptors  and 
formatori can  give  plastic  reliefs,  archi- 
tectural models,  etc.,  receiving  legiti- 
mate publicity  of  their  liberality  and 
genius. 

All  constructions  and  objects  would 
bear  conspicuously  forever  the  name 
of  the  donor,  who  would  also  be  per- 
petually commemorated  in  the  annual 
catalogues. 

The  Catalogue  of  the  British  Mu- 
seum constantly  rehearses  the  ‘ 1 List 
of  Benefactors,”  beginning  with  1753: 

Sir  John  Cotton,  Bart.,  ‘‘The  collection 
of  Manuscripts  and  Charters  formed 
by  his  grandfather.”  It  includes 
mention  of  single  articles,  as — 1885, 

Lord  Hillingdon,  marble  figure  of  a 
Bull  from  Athens;  1885,  T.  A.  E. 

Addington,  esq.,  a large  collection  of 
rubbings  from  English  monumental 
brasses;  and,  also,  1879,  William 
White,  esq.  (by  bequest),  ,£65,411 
for  building  a Gallery  for  the  Mauso- 
leum Sculptures.  The  Marquise  Vis- 
count Arconati  has  lately  willed  to 
the  Louvre  and  Cluny  Museums 
$1,600,000,  the  interest  to  be  expended  for  works  of  art.  This  is  only 
one  of  many  recent  gifts  made  in  republican  France,  the  greatest  being 
that  of  the  park,  palace,  and  art  treasures  of  Chantilly,  by  the  Count  de 
Paris. 

I am  eager  to  follow  these  suggestions  by  a first  appropriation  to  the 
Galleries  of  a manuscript  portion  .of  the  Bible  in  Latin  of  the  fourteenth 
century,  bound  in  wood  with  heavy  chain  attached;  such  Bibles,  chained 


No.  102. — From  Raphael’s  decorations  of  the 
Loggia  of  the  Vatican. 


132 


GIFTS  TO  THE  GALLERIES. 


to  posts,  were  read  in  the  dark  ages;  secondly,  of  the  models  above 
mentioned,  and  thirdly,  of  1,000  interesting  historic  and  architectural 
engravings. 

These  shall  include,  first,  the  grand  restorations  of  the  Forum  by 
Cockerill  and  Canina,  which  gave  the  conception  of  the  terraced  galleries; 
also  a rare  series  from  copper  of  Mercante’s  copies  from  the  Baths  of  Titus, 
from  which  Raphael  drew,  to  a great  extent,  his  designs  for  the  Loggia  of 
the  Vatican.  Supplementing  these  shall  be  the  superb  plates  from  copper 
published  by  Popes  Clement  XIII  and  XIV,  covering  200  square  feet  of 
engraving,  showing  all  the  details  of  the  Loggia  by  Raphael  and  his  pupils 


No.  103.— Ceiling  from  Mercante’s  decorations  of  the  Baths  of  Titus,  Rome,  1774. 


— a work  of  rarity  and  value.  Also  Roman  engravings  of  Rossini  and 
Piranesi,  including  the  latter’s  Magnificentia  Romanorum. 

Pinelli’s  Istoria  Romana,  above  described,  awaits  opportunity  of  use,  in 
transfer  to  the  walls  of  the  Roman  gallery  as  the  first  historical  series. 

In  contrast  to  these  will  be  the  luxurious  “ Coronation  of  George  IV.” 
It  includes  a series  of  portraits  in  gorgeous  costumes  of  the  nobility  of 
England. 

Guizot  has  defined  civilization  as  ‘‘the  grand  emporium  of  the  people, 
in  which  all  the  wealth,  all  the  elements  of  its  life  are  stored  up;  some- 
thing for  nations  to  transmit  from  age  to  age.” 

Such  civilization  demands  that  the  people  who  will  soon  commemorate 
an  era  preeminent  in  human  progress,  and  the  natal  fact  of  its  existence, 


CONCLUSION. 


133 


should  mark  the  event  by  a national  memorial — in  magnificence  unsur- 
passed, in  practical  usefulness  unequaled. 1 

Consider  its  moral  grandeur ! In  the  philosophy  of  history  it  is  an 
epoch — at  once  the  midway  halt  and  the  new,  hopeful  starting  point  of 
the  human  race ; the  lifting  of  the  gates  of  the  West  for  exit  of  crowded 
and  contentious  nations  to  another  hemisphere  for  their  expansion  and 
development.  It  opened  a vista  of  infinitely  greater  intellectual  than 
material  progress.  Freed  from  bondage,  with  a printing  press  for 
universal  and  immortal  utterance,  the  mind  of  man  was  to  germinate  in 
thought  and  magnify  in  power  for  the  continuous  elevation  of  humanity. 

The  institution  will  have  thus  a memorable  and  appropriate  origin.  It 
will  mark  the  second  century  of  the  Republic  as  passing  onward  toward 
nobler  aims  than  mere  financial  and  material  aggregation  ; its  entrance 
upon  a purer,  happier,  reflective  life,  that  will  calm  the  unrest  that 
now  incites  to  anarchy. 

The  writer  believes  that  if  the  enterprise  above  set  forth  shall  become 
a reality  it  will  promote  such  progress ; and  will  perpetuate  from  gener- 
ation to  generation  the  richest  moral,  mental,  social,  and  political  eleva- 
tion of  the  people. 

If  its  prosecution  may  not  be  as  rapid  as  appears  to  him  practicable, 
he  may  at  least  have  incited  a primary  motion  toward  an  ultimate  evolu- 
tion. 

Seventy  years  ago,  the  minister  of  a quiet  country  parish  in  Massa- 
chusetts made  a Fourth  of  July  oration,  with  the  following  exordium  : 

Doubtless  each  mote  that  floats  in  the  atmosphere  does  its  part  toward  the  main- 
tenance of  the  balance  of  creation.  It  may  be,  therefore,  that  the  effort  of  this 
occasion,  despite  the  insignificance  of  the  speaker,  but  considering  the  greatness  of 
the  theme,  may  not  be  wholly  lost. 

I.  conclusion,  it  is  hoped  that  an  intense  interest  for  the  realization  of 
this  conception  will  induce  a kindly  judgment  of  the  personal  prominence 
that  was  inevitable  for  its  full  presentation. 

Suggestions  in  improvement  will  be  welcomed. 

Franklin  Webster  Smith. 

■The  Columbian  Exposition— the  centennial  celebration  of  1900,  commemorat- 
ing the  establishment  of  Washington  as  the  Capital,  is  an  occasion  equally  appropri- 
ate for  these  reflections. 


134 


CONCLUSION. 


Note. — “The  study  of  the  ancient  architectural  remains  of  Central  America,” 
says  Fergusson,  “is  the  only  means  we  know  of  by  which  the  ancient  history  of  the 
country'  can  be  recovered  from  the  darkness  which  now  enshrouds  it,  and  the  con- 
nection of  the  Old  World  with  the  New — if  any  existed — can  be  traced.” 


No.  104.— Elevation  of  part  of  palace  at  Zayi,  Yucatan. 


No.  105.— Elevation  of  Teocalli  (mound  for  sacrifice)  at  Palenque.  Yucatan. 


The  Smithsonian  Institution  has  prosecuted  scientific  investigation  of  this  im- 
portant subject,  especially  in  its  relation  to  American  ethnology,  and  the  National 
Museum  has  extensive  collections  of  American  archaeological  material  waiting  space 
for  exhibition. 

Therefore,  in  the  above  rdsumd,  this  field  has  had  only  brief  consideration. 


ADDENDA. 


No.  i. 

The  National  Galleries  of  the  A mcrican  Republic , it  is  proposed , shall  sur- 
pass in  architectural  gra?ideur  all  similar  constructions  (p.  42}. 

The  constructions  represented  in  the  design  probably  cover  a larger 
area  than  any  previous  group  of  buildings  for  a special  use,  and  although 
their  cost  will  be  less  than  that  of  several  palaces,  Oriental  and  European 
(if  built  of  concrete),  their  architectural  effect  will  never  have  been 
equalled. 

“The  palace  temple  of  Karnak,”  says  Fergusson,  “is  probably  the 
grandest  effort  for  architectural  magnificence  ever  produced  by  the  hand 
of  man.”  Its  area  was  1,200  feet  by  360  feet,  about  10  acres;  but  a 
large  portion  of  this  was  uncovered  by  buildings.  Its  great  hypostyle 
hall  is  internally  340  feet  by  170  feet,  or  88,000  square  feet. 

The  Moorish  palace  of  Zalira,  near  Cordova,  described,  it  is  believed 
reliably,  by  Moorish  writers,  inclosed  an  area  of  4,000  feet  by  2,200  feet; 
but  the  greater  part  of  this  was  in  gardens.  It  had  4,300  columns. 

The  Escurial,  usually  considered  the  largest  of  such  constructions  since 
its  date,  covers  740  feet  by  580  feet  externally,  or  nearly  10  acres;  but 
there  are  interior  open  courts.  The  main  building  is  of  six  stories,  so 
that  its  acreage  of  flooring  is  immense,  far  surpassing  that  of  the  pro- 
posed galleries. 

In  architectural  effect  it  expresses  the  repulsive  and  obdurate  traits  of 
its  tyrant  projector,  who  purposed  it  to  be  a religious  symbol  of  the 
gridiron  of  St.  Lawrence. 


No.  2. 

The  genius  of  art  adapted  to  this  age  can  not  be  more  clearly  set  forth  than 
in  the  comments  of  M.  Phillipe  Gille  on  the  exhibit  of  the  late  French 
Fxposition  (p.  7/).  “ The  taste  for  art  is,  in  these  days,  merely  one 

branch  of  universal  curiosity.  In  the  eyes  of  the  thoughtful  public,  a 
fgure  or  a picture , a statue  or  a group , has  gradually  lost  its  subjective 
interest , which  has  become  secondary  to  its  value  as  an  ethnological  o> 
historical  record." 

Upon  reflection  it  may  be  seen  that  nature  offers  utmost  range  of  senti- 
ment under  commonplace  names  of  her  creatures  or  the  scientific  divisions 

of  her  realm. 


i35 


136 


ADDENDA. 


Michelet  has  invested  ‘ ‘ The  Bird  ’ ’ with  such  poetry  of  life,  both  in 
description  and  delineation,  that  whoever  has  read  his  facinating  pages, 
illumined  by  the  art  of  Giacomelli,  almost  recognizes  henceforth  the  bird 


No.  106. — Giacotnelli’s  illustrations. 


No.  107. — Giaeomclli’s  illustrations. 


upon  the  wing  as  the  messenger  of  the  fairies.  He  finds  all  human 
characteristics  and  impulses — courage,  tenderness,  energy,  patience, 
dignity,  selfishness,  intelligence,  cunning,  love,  revenge — in  full  play 


utility  in  art. 


137 


from  within  the  soul  or  instinct  of  the  feathered  tribe.  Hence  the  varied  - 
power  and  beauty  that  he  sees  and  portrays  from  their  daily  life — the 
eagle  upon  the  mountain  top  challenging  with  fixed  eye  the  blaze  of  the 
rising  sun;  the  humming  bird,  flitting  from  flower  to  flower;  the  vulture 
of  the  desert,  and  the  tender  cooing  of  the  dove.  Thus,  too,  Chateau- 
briand, as  he  nestles  the  wild  duck  under  the  mossy  bank,  by  the  rippling 
stream,  screened  in  her  retreat  by  the  drapery  of  the  waving  vines  hung 
on  ‘ ‘ her  distaffs  of  purple  reeds.  ’ ’ 

But  if  there  should  be  assigned  to  decorative  artists  illustrations  of 
ornithology,  the  scientific  exhibit,  in  deathly  stiffness,  would  appall 
artistic  sensibilities. 

But  let  us  imagine  a ceiling  or  a wall  devoted  to  classification  of  the 
birds  of  the  United  States  of  America.  It  is  divided  for  skies  of  different 
hues,  in  accord  with  regions  of  varied  landscape  beneath.  In  these 
sections  are  portrayed  truthfully  their  varied  haunts.  These  would 
present  the  widest  contrasts  in  nature : The  mountain  top;  the  ocean 
shore;  forests  of  oak  and  pine;  jungles  of  the  palmetto  and  magnolia; 
fruits  and  flowers  of  the  North  and  South;  the  rustic  covert  of  the 
partridge;  the  shallow  lakelet  of  the  heron.  What  could  be  more  faci- 
nating  to  the  eye  than  ‘ ‘ The  Bird  ’ ’ painted  in  life  and  airy  motion  in 
the  verdant  or  wild  surroundings  that  nature  has  fitted  for  its  Paradise? 

In  the  villa  of  Diomed  at  Pompeii  there  remains  on  the  walls  of  the 
bathroom  a decoration  of  fish  disporting  in  the  depths  of  the  sea.  It 
attracts  especial  admiration  in  the  reproduction  at  Saratoga  and  has 
been  noted  for  many  repetitions. 

It  is  a hint  in  the  line  of  these  suggestions.  The  birds  and  fish  of 
America  might  thus  be  displayed  systematically  for  study  as  well  as 
ornament  with  greater  beauty  and  at  less  cost  than  in  aquaria.  A con- 
tinuous series  would  be  more  superb  decorations  for  galleries  than  the 
usual  obscure  allegories  attempted  by  high  art  of  flaunting  undraped 
goddesses,  with  sportive  tritons  and  centaurs,  demanding  printed  expla- 
nations to  reveal  the  mystical  conceptions  of  their  creation. 

I would  that  the  grand  surfaces  of  the  Congressional  Library  had  been 
thus  utilized  for  portrayal  of  facts  in  the  progress  of  knowledge  than 
for  airy  imaginations. 

Again,  I imagine  an  assignment  to  artists  for  prize  competitions  in 
Cartoons  of  the  Latitudes  of  the  United  States  for  the  National 
Galleries. 

What  scope,  what  contrast,  what  grandeur,  what  beauty,  what  titanic 
strength,  what  utmost  attenuity,  what  icy  death  pulses,  what  rampant 
verdue,  would  be  covered  under  this  dry  geographical  title  given  as  a 
theme  to  sensitive  artists. 

When  they  began  their  travels  for  the  various  regions  for  a congenial 
theme,  they  would  realize  that  the  commission  offered  them  the  range  of 
the  world  for  material  in  composition. 


1 3« 


ADDENDA. 


The  glaciers  of  Alaska;  the  peaks  and  ranges  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains; the  canyons  of  the  Nevadas;  the  geysers  of  the  Yellowstone;  the 
plains  of  Kansas;  the  cataract  of  Niagara;  the  hills  of  the  Adirondacks; 
the  valleys  of  the  Mohawk;  the  forests  of  pine  at  the  North,  of  oaks  at 
the  South;  the  farms  of  varied  culture  of  New  England;  the  cotton  and 
rice  plantations  of  Louisiana;  from  the  apple  tree  to  the  palm  tree;  the 
home  of  the  seal  on  the  ice  float  to  the  haunt  of  the  chameleon  in  thickets 
of  perpetual  summer — 

All  this  may  be  realistic  and  truthful  in  illustration  of  the  wonders 
of  our  domain,  and  yet  .challenge  all  the  fancy  and  poetry  of  an  artist 
soul. 

It  may  be  said  that  these  are  merely  the  past  and  present  universal 
subjects  of  art.  This  is  true,  with  a difference;  the  difference  is  in  their 
orderly  and  illustrative  combination.  The  plea  is  for  art  to  be  applied 
in  aid  of  the  universal  curiosity  “of  the  thoughtful  public  in  these 
days  ; a spirit  of  inquiry,  the  true  inspiration  to  learning. 

Our  flight  with  the  birds  was  an  apparent  diversion  from  the  utilitari- 
anism set  forth  as  the  basis  for  the  educational  institution. 

On  the  contrary,  it  illustrates  that  national  galleries  of  painting  in 
progressive  illustration  of  history,  of  American  development  or  natural 
resources,  for  instruction  primarily  rather  than  beauty,  may  cover  themes 
for  highest  inspiration  in  art. 

Galleries  of  paintings  thus  described  plainly  can  not  be  of  that  high  ex- 
ecution demanded  (but  rarely  obtained)  for  dilettanti  in  art.  They  need 
not  cost  like  the  paintings  within  the  Domeof  the  Capitol;  an  apotheosis  of 
Washington,  $39,500,  which  is  205  feet  from  the  pavement,  almost  beyond 
visual  interpretation;  or  the  eight  very  interesting  historical  panels — en- 
joyed by  all  visitors — which  cost  from  $10,000  to  $15,000  apiece.  These 
are  very  large—  18  feet  by  12  feet  — 216  squarefeet.  For  a series,  6 by  9 
feet,  or  54  square  feet,  would  suffice.  While  there  is  not  this  dispro- 
portion in  the  cost  of  smaller  canvases,  still  there  would  be  but  one- 
fourth  of  the  manipulation,  and  compositions  would  be  less  crowded  with 
figures.  There  is  at  present  a class  of  artists  in  Europe,  German  and 
French,  most  skillful  in  precisely  the  style  of  work  demanded.  They 
have  won  highest  honors  as  exhibitors  at  salons.  The  powerful  execution 
of  the  series  above  mentioned,  of  the  “ Triumph  of  Constantine,”  proves 
their  ability.  They  have  illustrated  Bavarian  history  on  the  walls  of 
their  national  museum.  They  have  redecorated  with  great  spirit  and 
beauty  the  restored  halls  of  the  Wartburg.  The  work  of  Pascal,  of 
Paris,  in  the  Pompeia,  is  an  appropriate  illustration  of  this  style.  Few 
would  be  so  hypercritical  as  to  say  that  such  illustrations  are  not  satis- 
factory and  allowable  for  instructive  representation.'  They  are  accepted 
for  such  use  throughout  Germany  and  France — centers  of  art  criticism. 
The  masses  who  in  America  are  to  enjoy  them  do  not  yet  comprehend 
chiaro-scuro  or  identify  pre-Raphaelitism;  but  given  one  decade  of  influ- 


utility  in  art. 


139 


ence  from  the  National  Galleries,  with  ample  resources,  and  a more  gen- 
eral familiarity  with  technicalities  of  art  will  lie  proof  of  its  educational 
power.  For  high  art  the  Corcoran  and  other  select  and  costly  col- 
lections will  supply  examples. 

There  are  in  this  country  at  present  foreign  artists  of  great  ability  and 
experience  in  the  style  of  work  demanded  for  national  galleries  of  illus- 
tration, who  could  be  admirable  preceptors  for  American  students. 

The  Germans  and  French  to-day  revel  in  art,  and  at  an  average  of 
excellence.  When  20,000  pictures  are  offered  to  the  French  Salon,  and 
6,000  found  annually  worthy  of  display,  it  proves  that  pictures  average 
there  less  than  the  prices  demanded  in  the  United  States. 

This  argument  may  be  disparaged  as  a cheapening  of  artistic  talent. 
It  should  not  be  so  considered,  for  in  the  true  mercantile  relation  (and 
that  is  the  practical  question)  it  favors  ultimately  the  talent  involved. 
Prices  for  art  work  have  risen  to  a factitious  extent  from  the  exagger- 
ated figures  obtained  for  famous  deceased  masters;  but  excessive  prices 
for  works  of  a practical  character  and  meritorious  but  not  superlative 
worth  check  the  demand. 

In  failure  to  receive  the  costliest  appreciation,  artists  are  discouraged 
and  discontented. 

It  will  be  of  invaluable  sendee  to  them  when  a national  demand  shall 
develop  employment,  because  of  the  interest  and  popularity  of  its  subjects. 

When  the  galleries  have  received  their  series,  illuminating  the  respec- 
tive historical  cycles,  very  many  artists  will  be  employed  upon  copies  for 
other  institutions  that  will  multiply  throughout  the  country. 

Other  topics  than  political  history,  art,  and  architecture  maybe  cited, 
of  great  interest  to  the  people,  that  should  be  thus  connectedly,  picto- 
rially,  and  objectively  illustrated. 

A hall  might  contain  The  Story  of  the  Book.1 

The  paintings  in  series  would  commence  with  the  initial  efforts  of 
man  to  record  his  mental  action  to  the  eye.  They  would  exhibit  the 
various  material  devised  to  receive  the  divers  symbols  and  letters  of  the 
human  race.  Far  backward  would  appear  the  papyri  of  Egypt,  now 
freely  reproduced  in  facsimile  by  the  Louvre  in  Paris.  The  parchments 
and  tablets  of  the  Romans,  the  palm-leaf  books  of  the  East  Indians,  would 
be  intermediate  to  the  appearance  of  the  printed  books.  At  this  point 
will  be  recalled  the  Plantin  Museum  at  Antwerp,  in  extent  and  interest 
unrivaled  at  present  for  the  orderly  revelation  of  the  arts  of  printing 
and  engraving,  down  to  the  present  wonderful  development  of  lithog- 
raphy in  colors  and  photogravure.  All  this  could  be  quickly  com- 
manded if  money,  not  to  a great  amount,  was  provided. 

The  Story  of  the  Plow;  or,  Progress  in  Productions  for  the  Sub- 

1 This  conception  has  been  since  fancifully  attempted  in  allegory  in  the  new 
Library.  The  people  would  enjoy  more  pictures  telling  the  stories  so  “that  he  that 
runneth  might  read.” 


140 


ADDENDA. 


sisteuce  of  Man,  would  furnish  a varied,  beautiful,  and  attractive  series 
of  pictorial  instruction.  Beginning  with  the  crooked-root  plow  and  the 
herds  of  the  patriarchal  age,  it  would  end  with  transcripts  of  agricultural 
scenes  with  the  magical  appliances  of  American  invention,  which  by 
commercial  intercourse  are  multiplying  and  distributing  food  products 
throughout  the  world. 


No.  3. 


The  annexed  gratifying  response  from  a scholarly  friend,  an  ardent 
student  of  classic  art  and  Egyptology  in  their  ancient  domains,  suggests 
a brilliant  and  beautiful  effect  upon  the  Partheuonic  temples: 


Milwaukee,  June  16 , 1891. 


The  proof  sheets  were  of  the  greatest  interest.  The  style  of  architecture  is,  in  my 
opinion,  the  only  one  for  so  grand  an  institution.  A great  dome  in  the  center  would 
not  so  readily  convey  the  meaning  of  the  institution. 

It  is  very  beautiful  that,  in  reverence,  the  true  masterpiece  of  architecture  should 
dominate  your  grand  monument  to  culture,  as  from  the  Acropolis  learning,  like  the 
rays  of  the  sun,  was  spread  over  the  earth. 

The  grandeur  of  the  contour  of  the  Greek  temple  upon  a height  will  contrast 
superbly  against  the  blue  sky. 

The  latest  researches  have  revealed  that  the  tinting  of  marble  walls  and  pillars,  the 
gilding  of  capitals  and  groups  in  pediments  of  temples,  were  common  practices  of 
the  Greeks.  The  French  have  discovered  that  some  of  their  greatest  treasures  of 
antique  sculpture  were  tinted. 

A friend  of  mine,  Professor  Otto,  of  Berlin,  has  made  a beautiful  marble  piece — 
the  Greek  Slave— which  is  tinted,  and  has  been  accepted  and  now  stands  in  the 
National  Gallery  of  Berlin. 

A reproduction  of  color  of  your  grand  temples  in  light  tints,  and  the  gilding  of 
the  capitals,  as  lately  successfully  accomplished  in  the  Sina  Academy  or  National 
Pantheon  at  Athens,  would  greatly  add  to  the  grandeur  of  the  whole. 

Yours,  most  truly, 


Ferdinand  Meinecke. 


No.  4. 

“I  believe  that  if  a section  of  the  Egyptian  and  Roman  Courts  and  Gal- 
leries can  be  built  with  the  illustrations  proposed , the  rich  men  of  the 
country  will  rapidly  co7nplete  the  series”  (./>.  fjo). — Senator  Hawley. 

The  fascination  of  such  systematic  and  complete  object  lessons  from  his- 
tory, especially  with  the  present  stimulus  to  a higher  general  education,1 
can  be  with  difficulty  imagined.  Their  efficiency  would  depend  largely 
upon  the  tact  as  well  as  the  talent  of  the  professors  who  should  have  in 
charge  their  elucidation.  They  should  have  an  enthusiasm  for  their  work, 

'There  is  something  intensely  pathetic  in  the  hunger  for  culture  of  tens  of  thou- 
sands of  Americans,  in  summer  schools  all  over  the  land,  sitting  patiently  absorbing 
wisdom  in  hot  weather  from  lectures  on  ethics  and  literature  and  science,  etc. — 
Boston  Transcript,  July,  1891. 


OBJECT  LESSONS  IN  THE  GALLERIES. 


141 

growing  in  sympathy  with  eager  comers,  and  attracting  the  indifferent  to 
the  delights  of  knowledge.  The  realism  should  be  made  as  vivid  as  possible. 

Intelligent  visitors  to  the  Pompeia  have  frequently  advised  that  attend- 
ants should  be  iu  costume.1  A lover  of  the  classics,  with  whom  Seneca 
is  a daily  companion,  desires  that  it  shall  be  occupied  by  Italians,  who, 
in  old  Roman  garb,  shall  move  through  its  halls  and  recline  at  times 
on  the  couches  of  the  triclinium.  At  first  the  idea  savored  of  the 
theatrical,  but  reflection  is  in  favor  of  its  expediency.  The  stage  is 
claimed  as  an  educational  instrumentality  for  its  presentations  of  ancient 
life.  The  surroundings  herein  proposed  would  far  exceed  in  force  and 
truthfulness  the  passing  trivial  effects  of  the  modern  stage,  that  must  be 
seasoned  with  incongruous  ballet. 

Given  a range  of  effective  paintings  of  Roman  development,  grandeur, 
and  decay;  adjacent  a temple  and  the  grand  house  of  a senator,  peopled 
with  accurate  impersonations  of  ancient  occupants;  these  surrounded  by 
other  reconstructions  illustrative  of  the  genius  and  power  which  wrought 


No.  108. — Scenes  in  the  Forum  in  the  days  of  Marcus  Aurelius. 

DIO  CASSIUS,  71,  32.  CAPITOLINU8,  MARCUS,  26.  DIO  CASSIUS,  71,  32. 


their  prototypes;  through  and  among  these  halls  and  structures  will  pass 
crowds3 — excursions  of  teachers  and  students  from  East,  West,  North, 
and  South.  With  illustrated  text-books  in  hand,  they  follow  a professor 
enlightening  the  incidents  illustrated  and  drawing  therefrom  deductions 
of  political  and  moral  philosophy.  I presuppose  this  professor  to  be  a 
rare  man,  grand  in  physique,  able  in  knowledge,  energetic  and  benevolent 
in  impulse,  of  utterance  effective  with  unction,  not  monotonous  in  the 
castanet  tones  of  a showman.  Robed  in  the  inimitably  graceful  folds  of 
the  toga,  he  leads  the  crowd  of  eager  listeners  at  length  to  the  rostra. 
From  its  platform  he  tells  them  that  on  such  a standing  place  were  debated 
the  conquests  and  crises  of  the  Roman  Empire  and  Republic. 

•During  the  ownership  by  Prince  Napoleon  of  the  chateau  in  Paris  (misnamed 
Pompeian,  as  it  was  Pompeian  only  in  its  decorations)  the  troupe  of  the  Theatre 
Frai^ais  reproduced  Roman  tableaux  in  the  atrium  before  the  Emperor  Napoleon. 
The  scene  was  perpetuated  by  an  engraving,  with  an  enthusiastic  description  by 
Gautier.  He  wrote  in  opening,  “Antiquity  is  the  eternal  source  of  youth  of  the 
human  soul;”  and  in  closing,  “That  nocturnal  fete  was  the  horizon  opened  upon 
the  past,  the  eloquent  history  of  departed  worlds.” 

* Fair  teachers  at  the  White  House.—  The  public  reception  of  the  President  yester- 
day was  attended  by  2,000  people,  principally  school-teachers  from  New  York.  New 
Jersey,  and  the  New  England  States,  on  an  excursion  to  Washington.  The  scene  in 
the  great  East  Room  was  animated.  The  President  shook  each  visitor  by  the  hand. — 
Washington  Post,  January  1,  1891. 


I 42 


ADDENDA. 


In  sonorous  Latin  he  quotes  from  Cicero  against  Catiline,  and  then 
translates  to  his  hearers  the  magnificent  patriotism  and  dignity  of  the 
oration: 

Long  since,  oh  Catiline!  ought  the  Consul  to  have  doomed  thy  life  a forfeit  to  thy 
country.  * * * There  was — there  was  a time,  when  such  was  the  spirit  of  Rome 
that  the  resentment  of  her  magnanimous  sons  more  sternly  crushed  the  Roman 
traitor  than  the  most  inveterate  enemy. 

Again,  I follow  a Greek  professor  through  the  Grecian  galleries  and 
courts.  He  talks  before  paintings  of  Marathon,  of  Thermopylae,  of  the 
Acropolis.  He  courses  with  his  hearers  the  colonnades  of  the  agora  to 
the  Senate  House. 

He  is  a native  Greek,  a splendid  scholar,  a naturalized  American  citi- 
zen. His  garb  exhibits  the  amictus,  the  chiton,  the  tunica,  and  the 
graceful  chalmys.1  Proud  of  the  name  of  his  race  as  that  of  Pericles,  of 
Socrates,  and  Plato,  he  tells  his  hearers  that  in  halls  of  such  form  the 
Greeks  of  old  listened  to  their  orators.  In  his  native  mellifluous  tongue 
he  recites — 

DEMOSTHENES  AGAINST  THE  CROWN. 

Athens  was  never  known  to  live  in  a slavish  though  secure  obedience  to  unjust 
and  arbitrary  power.  No!  our  whole  history  is  one  series  of  noble  contests  for  pre- 
eminence. * * * 

No,  my  countrymen!  it  can  not  be  you  have  acted  wrong  in  encountering  danger 
bravely  for  the  liberty  and  safety  of  all  Greece.  * * * No!  by  all  those  illustri- 
ous sons  of  Athens  whose  remains  lie  deposited  in  the  public  monuments. 

Lord  Bolingbroke  quotes  Dionysius,  of  Halicarnassus,  that  “History 
is  philosophy  teaching  by  examples.”  When  philosophy  is  seated  at  the 
National  Capital,  drawing  from  history  such  stimulating  examples  from 
the  past,  the  youth  of  the  Republic  will  be  advanced  toward  the  noblest 
patriotism. 

The  Convent  of  La  Rabida  was  reconstructed  at  Chicago  upon  the 
suggestion  of  the  author  of  this  prospectus,  and  the  Columbian  paintings 
above  mentioned  were  purchased  by  the  United  States,  exhibited  in  the 
court  and  chapel  of  the  convent.  Afterward  they  were  assigned  to  the 
Field  Museum  of  Chicago.  (See  illustration  of  Convent,  Part  III.) 

In  1889  the  writer  selected  in  Spain  photographs  of  thirteen  paint- 
ings scattered  in  various  galleries,  illustrative  of  the  history  of  the 
enterprise  of  Columbus.  In  Paris  he  commissioned  two  painters  of 
recognized  ability,  who  for  several  years  had  exhibited  at  the  Salon — Pas- 
cal for  scenery  and  accessories,  and  Bernard  for  figures  and  portraits — to 
copy  these  photographs  on  large  canvases.  Unfortunately,  Bernard  was 
summoned  to  the  army  and  his  work  was  incomplete.  The  drawing  of 
the  originals  was  precisely  followed,  although  in  two  or  three  of  the  num- 

1 On  the  bronze  Apollo  of  the  British  Museum  the  chalmys  (scarf)  hangs  gracefully 
from  the  arm. 


OBJECT  LESSONS  IN  THE  GALLERIES. 


H3 


No.  109.— Court  of  the  Moorish  Villa  Zorayda,  with  Alhambresque  tracery. 


i44 


ADDENDA. 


ber  it  was  crude.  Yet  the  series  as  a whole  was  interesting  and  instruc- 
tive, because  historical;  in  part  contemporaneous  and  illustrative. 

The  annexed  plates  indicate  the  facility  with  which  sections  of  the 
Alhambra  could  be  reconstructed  in  all  the  splendor  of  arabesques  bla- 
zoned in  red,  blue,  and  gold,  with  their  oriental  accessories  of  fountains 


No.  no. — Court  in  Villa  Zorayda,  St.  Augustine. 


and  flowers,  palms  and  pomegranates.  Therein  Americans  might  read 
in  thrilling  reality  Irving’s  sketch  of  Columbus,  “taking  his  modest 
stand  in  a remote  corner,  the  humble  and  neglected  spectator  of  the 
pageant  ’ ’ of  the  thanksgiving  mass  of  Ferdinand  and  Isabella  and  their 
conquering  host,  flaunting  in  triumph  their  crosses  and  croziers,  with 


OBJECT  LESSONS  IN  THE  GALLERIES. 


145 


proud  armorial  ensigns  and  banners,  in  the  Moslem  halls.  Despite  the 
repulse  of  his  appeal  to  the  sovereigns  in  camps  before  Granada,  the 
enthusiast  dreamed  of  a conquest  before  which  the  capture  of  the  Moor- 
ish stronghold  should  shrink  to  insignificance. 

Again,  in  imagination,  we  enter  the  restored  Saracenic  court.  Its 


No.  in.  Court  of  Villa  7x)rayda,  St.  Augustine. 


colonnades  of  light  and  graceful  arches  are  enlaced  in  endless  intricacy, 
yet  without  one  hint  of  form  from  nature — obediently  to  the  Koran — to 
make  no  imitation  of  the  works  of  the  Creator.  It  is  midday,  and  the 
muezzin  is  called  in  Arabic  from  the  minaret. 

Standing  in  the  simulated  pulpit  of  the  Mosque  of  Cordova  or  in  the 
S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  2 10 


No.  112. — Court  of  Villa  Zorayda,  St.  Augustine. 

in  butchery  or  the  imbecility  of  nothingness,  day  dreams  of  houris  in  the 
Maliommedan  paradise,  a crisis  only  comparable  to  that  of  victory  by 
the  Spanish  Armada,  which  would  have  eclipsed  in  darkness  the  renais- 
sance of  the  human  intellect. 

This  realism  of  historical  facts  would  incite  inquiry.  Curiosity,  keenest 


146  ADDENDA. 

court  of  the  Alhambra,  a lecturer  sketches  the  rise  of  Islamism  upon  the 
plains  of  Arabia,  “a  little  cloud  like  a man’s  hand;”  its  outburst  into  a 
cyclonic  deluge  of  turbaned  Turks  that  swept  across  Africa  into  Spain 
and  scaled  the  Pyrenees  to  the  critical  field  of  Poitiers.  There  the  sword 
of  Charles  Martel  saved  the  ancestry  of  modern  Europe  from  extinction 


OBJECT  LESSONS  IN  THE  GALLERIES. 


147 


stimulant  of  knowledge,  would  impatiently  follow  Islamism  along  the 
centuries.  In  the  Mediaeval  galleries  students  would  join  the  crusaders 
before  Jerusalem,  Acre,  and  Damascus.  They  would  eagerly  study  before 
the  pictured  surrender  of  Granada  and  the  last  stand  of  the  Moors  at 
Malaga  before  their  final  merciless  expulsion  from  Europe. 


No.  1 13. — Court  in  Villa  Zorayda,  St.  Augustine. 


Such  instruction,  interest,  and  beauty  the  nation  can  speedily  prepare 
in  grand  measure  for  itself  and  for  posterity. 

Science,  capital,  energjr,  inventive  skill,  have  for  a century  been 
lavished  upon  material  development. 

Their  creations  are  transcontinental  railroads,  factories,  mines;  moun- 


148 


THE  ALHAMBRA. 


No.  114.— Court  of  Lions.  Alhambra. 


ADDENDA. 


No.  118. — The  Convent  of  La  Rabida.  At  its  gate  Columbus  begged  for  bread  and  made  the  friend- 
ship of  the  monk  Marchena. 

ers,  palaces  for  business,  palaces  for  hotels,  palaces  for  private  luxury 
and  display. 

Now,  may  not  a small  fraction  of  this  wealth  be  devoted  with  like 
ability  and  ingenuity  to  national  temples  of  knowledge? 


150 

tains  have  been  scaled,  rivers  have  been  spanned.  A tunnel  of  the 
Hudson,  at  an  estimate  of  $50,000,000,  excites  no  surprise  as  chimerical. 
It  is  one  of  others  competing  for  the  use  of  idle  capital  in  scores  of  mil- 


No.  117. — Section  of  the  Court  of  the  Lions  in  the  Alhambra. 

lions;  a canal  through  the  southern  isthmus,  another  uniting  the  lakes 
and  the  Mississippi,  etc. 

Surplus  gains  are  now  lavished  upon  Babel-like  structures  for  bank- 


SARACENIC  ARCHITECTURE. 


151 

The  previous  Saracenic  illustrations  have  been  added  in  hope  that  they 
may  attract  some  possessor  of  abounding  wealth  to  the  delightful  sendee 
for  his  countrymen  that  is  in  his  power  to  enjoy,  viz: 

To  offer  a reconstruction  in  the  Saracenic  court  of  the  Court  of  the 
Lions  in  the  Alhambra  (vide  Fig.  31,  p.  49,  Part  II),  in  full  size,  plated 
with  casts  from  the  original  traceries — when  a site  shall  have  been  pro- 
vided. This  would  by  no  means  be  as  expensive  as  would  appear  at  first 
thought.  It  is  generally  supposed  that  the  traceries  are  in  marble. 
They  are  in  plaster,  and  are  yet  perfect  after  six  hundred  years. 

When  commenced  the  two  small  halls  of  the  Abencerrages  and  of  The 
Two  Sisters  would  surely  follow.  It  is  a pleasant  daydream  to  the 
writer  that  he  may  l>e  invited  to  the  supervision  of  the  delightful  task. 
Then  would  be  set  up  in  the  center  of  the  restored  Court  of  the  Lions  a 
column  bearing  the  name  of  the  Mr.  Goodman,  the  donor,  “as  a lover 
of  his  country.” 


No.  1 19. — Restoration  of  the  Courtof  Bensaquiu,  Tangiers,  in  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients,  Washington. 


No.  120. — Byzantine  Portal.  Henry  Ives  Cobb,  architect. 


No.  5. 

The  educational  value  of  models  of  architectural  examples. 

All  noble  ornamentation  is  the  expression  of  man’s  delight  in  God’s  work. — The 
Virtues  of  Architecture. 

Next  to  the  originator  of  a good  sentence  is  the  first  quoter  of  it. 

All  minds  quote.  Old  and  new  make  the  warp  and  woof  of  every  moment. 

We  quote  not  only  hooks  and  proverbs,  but  arts,  customs,  and  laws;  nay,  we  quote 
temples  and  houses,  tables  and  chairs,  by  imitation. 

If  we  learn  how  old  are  the  patterns  of  our  shawls,  the  capitals  of  our  columns, 
the  fret,  the  beads,  and  other  ornaments  on  our  walls,  the  alternate  lotus-bud  and 
leaf  stem  of  our  iron  fences,  we  shall  think  very  well  of  our  first  men  or  ill  of  the 
latest. 

It  is  inevitable  that  you  are  indebted  to  the  past;  you  are  fed  and  formed  by  it. 
The  old  forest  is  decomposed  for  the  composition  of  the  new  forest.  So  it  is  in 
thought.  Our  knowledge  is  the  amassed  thought  and  experience  of  innumerable 
minds. 

We  can  not  overstate  our  debt  to  the  past,  but  the  moment  has  the  supreme  claim. 

As  Goethe  frankly  said  : 

“ What  would  remain  to  me  if  the  art  of  appropriation  were  derogatory  to  genius? 

“Everyone  of  my  writings  has  been  furnished  to  me  by  a thousand  different 
persons,  a thousand  things;  wise  and  foolish  have  brought  me,  without  suspecting 
it,  the  offering  of  their  thoughts,  faculties,  and  experience. 

“ My^  work  is  an  aggregation  of  beings  taken  from  the  whole  of  nature,  it  bearing 
the  name  of  Goethe.’’ — Emerson. 

152 


ARCHITECTURAL  MODELS. 


153 


For  “ the  diffusion  of  knowledge”  by  the  grand  works  hereinbefore 
proposed,  models  of  architectural  constructions  complete,  as  also  of 
fragmentary  specimens,  are  of  superlative  importance.  They  are  vivid 
object  lessons  of  outlines,  forms,  proportions — details  practical  and  orna- 
mental of  the  masterpieces  of  human  accomplishment. 


No.  121. — Model  of  Hall  of  Darius,  Louvre. 


No  picture  of  perspective  equals  for  comprehension  with  preciseness 
the  presentation  of  an  object  in  solid  substance.  The  child’s  house  of 
blocks  is  far  more  to  his  satisfaction  than  the  brightest  picture  of  it.  It 


No.  122. — Model  of  Pantheon,  New  York  Metropolitan  Museum  of  Art.  Charles  Chipiez,  Paris. 


moves  two  senses — both  sight  and  touch.  The  same  satisfaction  from 
material  illustrations  passes  onward  to  youth  and  maturity. 

A while  since  the  writer  passed  a delightful  afternoon  in  the  Boston 
Museum  of  Fine  Arts  in  company  with  an  inquiring  boy  and  his  parents. 


154 


No.  123.— The  Hall  of  One  Hundred  Columns,  Persepolis.  l'  landin  & Coste,  Perse  Auden.  Art  in  Persia,  Perrot  & Chipiez. 


155 


No.  124. — The  Hall  of  One  Hundred  Columns,  Persepolis.  Plandin  & Coste,  Perse  Ancien.  Art  in  Persia,  Perrot  & Chipiez. 


ADDENDA. 


156 

He  enticed  them  from  object  to  object  after  his  interest  had  lieen  roused 
by  satisfaction  of  his  eagerness  to  have  an  explanation  of  a model  of  the 
Acropolis. 

The  value  of  models  in  exactness  of  scale  and  finish  is  recognized  in 
modern  museums.  Their  service  for  rendering  the  visual  effect  of 
architectural  drawings  materialized  is  now  a common  requirement  of 
architects  for  extensive  constructions. 

The  following  details  are  added  concerning  models  now  in  existence 
of  ancient  monuments,  in  earnest  hope  that  they  may  incite  gifts  of 
duplicates  to  the  National  Galleries  of  Washington,  which  probably  can 
be  had  at  a fraction  of  the  cost  of  originals.  No  objects  can  more 
permanently  and  beautifully  perpetuate  the  name  of  a donor.  Subjects 
can  be  selected  for  cost  at  pleasure.  Those  now  in  New  York  and 
Washington  (annexed  Figs.  12 1 and  126)  surpass  all  that  are  in  Europe. 
The  Louvre  exhibits  but  one,  that  of  the  Hall  of  Darius.  (Fig.  120.) 

A model  of  the  Hall  of  One  Hundred  Columns  (Figs.  122-123)  would 
far  surpass  that  in  the  Louvre. 

It  would  lie  a noble  and  self-rewarding  gift  to  the  National  Galleries. 

The  Willard  bequest  to  the  Metropolitan  Museum  in  New  York  for 
models  of  famous  buildings  has  been  of  great  public  interest  and  benefit. 
Those  already  purchased  rival  for  general  attraction  any  other  treasures 
of  the  museum. 

Fig.  121  is  a photograph  of  the  superb  model  of  the  Parthenon,  executed 
under  direction  of  Mr.  Charles  Chipiez  at  a cost  of  48,000  francs. 
Delivered  in  New  York,  it  cost  more  than  $10,000.  It  was  a wise 
expenditure.  Sculptures  of  the  pediment  and  all  the  bronze  statuary 
that  crowded  the  entablature  of  the  horizontal  facade  are  exquisitely 
restored. 

Certainly  no  previous  attempt  to  realistically  illustrate  the  original 
splendor  of  this  monument,  “spared  and  blest  by  time”  beyond  all  oth- 
ers of  man’s  handiwork,  can  compare  with  his  models  of  the  Parthenon 
and  of  the  Pantheon.  Mr.  Le  Brim,  agent  of  the  Willard  Architectural 
Commission,  has  kindly  furnished  the  annexed  list  of  models  purchased 
to  date: * 

Fig.  124  is  a topographical  model,  with  reproduction  of  streets  and 
buildings  in  detail. 

‘Willard  Architectural  Commission, 

No.  1 Madison  Avenue, 

New  York  City , N.  May  /,  1900. 

Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith, 

Washington , D.  C. 

DEAR  Sir:  Replying  to  j our  favor  of  the  26th  of  April,  the  following  models  now 
in  the  Willard  collection  of  the  Metropolitan  Museum  of  Art  were  made  to  order  for 
the  Willard  Commission: 

1.  Parthenon:  Scale,  one-twentieth  full  size;  cost,  14,500  francs;  Charles  Chipiez, 


ARCHITECTURAL  MODELS.  157 

Fig.  125  is  a photograph  of  a section  of  the  great  model  of  the  design  for 
National  Galleries  in  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients,  covering  an  area  of  20 
by  40  feet.  (See  page  66.  Part  I.)  In  the  foreground  is  seen  an  admir- 


No.  125. — Cast  of  the  doorway  of  the  Cathedral  of  San  Diego  da  Compostella  in  Spain,  in  the  South 
Kensington  Museum,  Loudon.  (V,  Part  I.) 


able  model  of  the  Temple  of  Denderah,  by  M.  Garet.  It  is  8 feet 


architect,  restorer;  Adolphus  Joly,  Paris,  modeler.  Size  cf  model,  5 feet 
wide  by  15  feet  long  hy  3 feet  3 inches  high. 

2.  Pantheon:  Scale,  one-twentieth  full  size;  cost,  4S, 000  francs;  Charles  Chipiez, 

architect,  restorer;  Abel  Poulin,  Paris,  modeler.  Size  of  model,  11  feet  wide 
by  15  feet  long  by  7 feet  8 inches  high. 

3.  Hypostyle,  Hall  of  Karnac  (central  portion):  One-twentietli  full  size;  Charles 

Chipiez,  architect,  restorer;  Maspero  hieroglyphs.  Cost,  22,500  francs. 

4.  Arch  of  Constantine:  One-tenth  full  size;  cost,  12,000  francs;  Mercatali,  Rome, 

modeler;  Trabacchi  and  Cencetti,  sculptors;  Lanciani,  director  of  work. 

5.  Clioragic  Monument  of  Lysicrates:  One-tenth  full  size;  Herr  Iesen,  Munich, 

sculptor;  cost  of  molds,  400  marks. 

6.  St.  Irophime,  Arles,  France;  main  entrance:  Scale,  one-twentieth  full  size; 

cost,  3,Soo  francs. 

7.  Cathedral  Notre  Dame,  Paris:  One-twentieth  full  size;  cost,  57,500  francs. 

8.  Knockenliauer  Amthaus,  Hildesheim:  One-tenth  full  size;  cost,  1,350  marks; 

Professor  Kusthardt,  modeler. 

Hoping  this  fully  answers  your  questions,  I am, 

Very  truly,  yours, 

P.  L.  Le  Brun,  Purchasing  Agent. 


No.  126.-MODEL  OF  A SECTION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  WITTENBERG. 


158 


1.  Luther’s  house  in  the  old  Augustinian  cloister.  modeled  by  f.  w.  smith.  1852. 

2.  The  University  in  which  Melanclithon  was  professor.  “And  what  make  you  from  Wittenberg?”  Shak.  Hamlet. 

The  house  of  Melanchthon.  4.  The  Electoral  Castle:  In  the  church  are  buried  Luther  and  Melanchthon.  On  its  doors  Luther  nailed  his  theses  for  disputation. 
Public  square.  6.  Rathhaus — Town  Hall  in  market  place.  Luther’s  monument.  7.  Parochial  church,  in  which  Luther  commonly  preached. 


ntWHimKH;;: 


No.  127. — Section  of  the  entire  model  for  National  Galleries  in  Halls  of  the  Ancients.  In  the  foreground  model  of  the  Temple  of  Denderah,  to  scale,  8 feet  in  length.  Area  in  front  is 

for  the  Egyptian  Court.  See  Frontispiece,  The  Acropolis,  at  the  rear,  with  drawings  for  American  Galleries. 


l6o  ADDENDA. 

in  length,  one  sixty-fourth  scale  of  the  size  proposed  for  the  courts 
(500  feet  square). 

I11  the  distance  are  models  of  the  three  Parthenonic  temples,  modeled 
by  Sig.  Giordani. 

These  are  the  only  sections  in  full  model  yet  1 lade  of  the  Galleries  and 
Courts.  The  other  courts  are  shown  by  mounted  drawings.  The  cost 
thus  far  has  been  $1,500.  To  complete  the  entire  model  would  cost 
about  $3,000.  Coloring  would  add  greatly  to  the  effect,  at  an  expense, 
say,  of  $500. 


No.  128.— Model  of  llie  I’agoda  of  Wat  Chang  (meaning  “great  monastery”)  in  Bangkok.  Siam. 


May  this  writing  be  so  fortunate  as  to  enlist  the  liberality  of  a friend 
of  his  countrymen,  now  and  of  the  future,  by  a gift  for  completion  of  the 
model.  It  can  be  held  in  ownership  of  the  donor  until  a hall  shall  be 
provided  in  National  Galleries  for  its  reception,  being  meanwhile  on 
exhibition,  as  is  the  incomplete  pattern  at  present.  As  a prototype  of 
the  reality  which  it  prefigures,  it  would  as  far  surpass  all  existing  archi- 
tectural models  as  will  that  reality,  when  a fact,  be  without  a semblance 
in  the  world  for  comparison. 

In  1891  the  writer  stood  with  the  late  Sir  Philip  Cunliffe  Owen  before 
the  full-size  cast  of  the  Doorway  of  the  Cathedral  of  San  Diego  da  C0111- 


J 


ARCHITECTURAL  CASTS.  l6l 

postella,  in  Spain,  which  covers  the  end  wall  of  the  largest  exhibition 
hall  of  casts  in  the  Kensington  Museum,  in  London.  (See  Fig.  126.) 

Other  objects  crowded  upon  it  so  that  it  could  be  seen  only  at  a dis- 
tance of  10  or  20  feet.  The  cast  was  about  30  by  40  feet.  “What  a 
pity,”  was  remarked1  to  Sir  Philip,  “that  it  can  not  be  fairly  seen! 
For  our  new  National'  Galleries  we  propose  to  have  halls  of  500  feet 
range.”  “Yes,”  he  replied,  “you  Americans,  beginning  anew,  can 
have  everything.  You  can  take  space.  In  the  heart  of  European 


No.  129. — A restoration  of  Olympia,  by  Thierisch.  An  ideal  plati  for  the  court  of  the  Greek  Galleries. 

capitals  now  it  is  an  impossibility.  Casts  are  cheap  and  with  molds 
now  in  existence  you  can  have  everything.  That  cast  cost  us 
,£2,000  = $10,000.  Had  your  institution  been  in  existence,  we  could 

have  shared  for  two  at  about  the  same  money.” 

I11  the  future  models  may  be  duplicated  for  New  York  and  Washing- 
ton at  half  price  or  less.  By  and  by,  when  their  value  shall  be  appre- 
ciated, they  will  be  demanded  in  other  large  cities. - 

Illustrations  of  subjects  for  models  are  here  presented  as  temptations 
for  the  choice  of  liberal  lovers  of  the  grandly  beautiful  in  gifts  to  the 
S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  2 11 


SUBJECT  FOB  Til  BEE  MODELS. 


Is'o.  130. — The  Palace  of  Sennacherib,  exterior;  restoration  by  Cayard.  Copy  by  Pascal  (10  by  7 feet)  is  in  the  Assyrian  Throne  Room,  Halls  of  the 

Ancients. 


No.  131. — Restoration  of  court  of  an  Assyrian  palace,  Fergusson.  A model  design  for  the  National  Gallery  and  Court. 


ASSYRIAN  COURT 


163 


DESIGN  FOR  RECONSTRUCTION. 


ADDENDA. 


164 

National  Galleries.  Notice  the  noble  provision  made  for  them  .in  the 
corridors  that  range  the  galleries  of  paintings  (Fig.  24  and  Fig.  26,  Part 
II)  for  models  and  all  plastic  illustrations. 

Who  will  seize  the  chance  to  offer  first  a model  of  the  Mausoleum  of 
Halicarnassus  (p.  49,  Part  II),  or  of  the  Lantern  of  Burgos  (p.  99,  Part 
II),  unmatched  in  the  world  for  richness  of  decoration,  its  piers  pre- 
senting full  tableaux  in  marble? 

Fig.  129  presents  three  sections  of  Assyrian  restoration  bv  Layard, 
each  of  which  would  make  a beautiful  model,  though  varied  in  cost. 
Color  would  greatly  enhance  their  beauty,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  painting 
(10  by  7 feet)  of  the  Palace  of  Sennacherib  in  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients. 

Fig.  128  would  be  impressive  as  both  a topographical  and  architectural 
simulation. 

Fig.  127  is  one  of  the  two  only  models  of  Old  World  architecture  in  the 
National  Museum  ; one  a model  of  a Temple  Tower  of  Babylon.  The 
second  is  small,  3 by  3 feet,  largely  of  paper,  too  minute  in  detail  to  make 
them  discernible.  It  is  a model  of  Wat  Chang,  the  most  magnificent 
Temple  in  Bangkok.  Its  picture  may  remind  readers  of  this  mention 
of  it,  when  traveling  in  the  East,  to  buy  for  their  country  others  on  a 
larger  scale.  Such  work  is  cheap  in  India. 

Who  will  seize  the  chance  to  present  a model  of  the  standard  size 
suggested,  8 feet  in  length,  of  the  Taj  Mahal  to  their  country?  Such 
gifts  in  advance  would  be  most  opportune  for  the  cause  of  the  Galleries. 
They  would  require  months  of  slow  labor,  as  there  are  few  competent 
for  the  work.  The  writer  would  gladly  superintend  it  in  the  hands  of 
competent  artisans  he  has  employed.  Given  in  requirement  of  galleries 
to  receive  them,  they  would  hasten  their  construction. 


No.  6. 

Paper  in  reference  to  facilities  of  reconstructions  of  ancient  architecture  and 
of  reproduction  of  the  appliances  of  ancient  life  supplied  from  attainments 
' of  mode rm  archceology. 

The  discovery  of  Herculaneum  and  Pompeii  supplied  chapters  almost 
exhaustive  to  cyclopedia  of  Roman  life  and  manners,  as  had  previously 
l>eeu  richly  revealed  of  its  art,  architecture,  and  mythology  by  excava- 
tions in  the  imperial  city. 

In  the  fifteenth  to  the  seventeenth  centuries  treasures  recovered  filled 
the  vast  halls  of  the  Vatican.  They  supplied  material  for  the  monu- 
mental work  of  Montfaucon  (L’Antiquite  Expliquee,  10  volumes  royal 
folio,  Paris,  1722).  In  the  eighteenth  century  these  revelations  were 
supplemented  by  constant  additions  from  beneath  the  ashes  of  Vesuvius. 
Of  late  they  are  even  in  greater  surprises  of  beauty  and  luxury.  For 
Roman  restorations,  therefore,  there  is  an  embarrassment  of  riches. 


■S. 


Nos.  132, 133, 134, 135. — Egyptian  restorations  from  the  trachten  of  Hottenroth. 


1 • IT! 


ADDENDA. 


1 66 

During  the  last  half  century,  and  especially  during  the  last  thirty 
years,  a zeal  for  discovery  and  investigation  has  been  in  rivalry  by  the 
scholarship  of  Germany,  France,  and  England.  It  founded  resident 
academies  in  Athens  for  exploration  and  study.  Germany  was  rewarded 
by  the  richest  prize — the  Hermes  of  Praxiteles — from  excavations  of 
Olympia.  France  is  following  her  example  at  Delplios  and  America  at 
Corinth.  Meanwhile  Schliemann  had  uncovered  golden  treasures  at 
Mycenae  and  the  site  designated  as  that  of  Troy. 

Not  less  energetic  and  successful  have  been  explorations  in  Assyria 
and  Egypt.  From  the  data  thus  supplied  savants  have  analyzed  and 
summarized  conclusions.  German 
scholars,  with  the  patient  thorough- 
ness which  is  their  characteristic, 
have  added  vastly  within  twenty-five 
years  to  knowledge  of  antiquity. 

Architects  like  Buhlmann  and  artists 
like  Wagner,  of  Munich,  have  joined 
their  abilities  in  panoramic  recreation 
with  wonderful  effectiveness  in  their 
great  work,  “Rome  in  the  time  of 
Constantine.’’  Gloss,  Thierrisch, 
and  other  German  archaeologists, 
published  “ Hellas  and  Rome,’’  a 
grand  quarto,  in  reproduction  of 
Roman  and  Greek  art  and  life. 

While  German  scholars  have 
wrought  out  details  that  give  thou- 
sands of  illustrations  of  the  furni- 
ture, costumes,  weapons,  implements, 
etc. , in  color  of  ancient  nations,  as  in 
the  exhaustive  work,  the  Trachten  of 
Hottenroth,  the  French  Academy  has  given  commissions,  regardless  of 
cost,  for  detailed  reconstructions  in  color  of  monumental  works  of  the 
Greeks  and  Romans. 

Fig.  130,  one  of  the  series  of  the  restoration  of  the  Baths  of  Diocle- 
tian, by  Paulin,  is  a specimen  of  their  splendor.  This  plate  was  a gift 
of  Monsieur  Firmin  Didot,  of  Paris,  the  publisher. 

In  Egypt,  Belzoni,  Lepsius,  Champollion,  have  been  followed  by  Mas- 
pero,  Kbers,  Mariette,  Petrie,  and  others  illuminating  ruins  of  the  dark 
tombs  and  temples.  By  modern  pictorial  facilities  their  outward  forms 
and  interior  records  are  transferred  to  the  universal  page  of  modern  times. 
The  monumental  works  of  this  day  in  resuscitation  of  ancient  art  are 
those  of  Messieurs  Perrot  and  Chipiez,  of  Paris. 

The  rapidity  with  which  their  royal  octavo  volumes  have  appeared  in 
Paris  since  1883 — filled  with  critical  histories  of  art  in  ancient  Egypt, 


ARCHITECTURAL  RECONSTRUCTIONS 


167 


SUBJECT  FOR  MODEL. 


I he  pleasure  derived  from  the  execution  or  contemplation  of  a work  of  art  arises  partly  from  the  mere  love  of  imitation 
natural  to  all  men.  1 he  savage  and  the  child  delight  in  the  most  realistic  imitations  of  the  sights  and  sounds  of  external 
nature;  and  even  in  civilized  communities,  and  among  men  of  mature  age,  the  untutored  mind  finds  greater  pleasure  in  a 


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THE  BATHS  OF  DIOCLETIAN— HOME. 


169 


No.  139. — An  elevation  from  the  Restoration  of  the  Baths  of  Diocletian,  by  Paulin,  under  a commission  from  the  French  academy. 


170 


ADDENDA. 


Chaldea,  and  Assyria;  Phrygia,  Lydia,  Coria,  and  Hysen;  Sardinia  and 
Judea;  Syria  and  Asia  Minor;  Phoenicia,  and  lately  of  Greece — is  an 
amazement  of  intellectual  energy. 

Many  other  late  contributions  to  archaeology  may  be  cited;  but  these 
are  sufficient  to  exhibit  the  abundance  of  material  at  hand — ready 
examples  for  the  reconstructions  proposed  for  national  galleries  in 
Washington.  Moreover,  these  indefatigable  scholars  have  supplied  such 
exact  details  that  they  have  filled  the  parts  of  architects  in  advance. 
They  have  given  ground  plans  and  elevations  to  scale,  which  wait  only 
the  plummet,  scpiare,  and  triangle  of  the  mechanic  to  commence  the 
work.  (Figs.  130,  131.) 

The  annexed  illustrations  have  been  borrowed  from  these  works  in 
evidence  of  facilities  awaiting  public  spirit  to  supply  the  means. 


[Extracts  from  the  Report  of  the  Committee  of  the  Metropolitan  Museum  of  Art,  New  York.] 

WHY  THE  METROPOLITAN  MUSEUM  NEW  YORK  SHOULD  CONTAIN  A FULL 

COLLECTION  OF  CASTS. 

[Statement  published  by  the  committee  in  March,  1891.] 

When  the  authorities  of  the  Royal  Museum  at  Berlin  looked  about  for 
means  to  increase  its  sculptural  and  architectural  collections,  they  found 
themselves  unable  to  obtain  any  considerable  number  of  original  works 
of  merit,  because  these  were,  for  the  most  part,  already  in  the  possession 
of  other  museums.  They  therefore  determined  to  obtain  casts  of  all  the 
masterpieces  which  were  scattered  in  the  different  collections  of  the 
world,  and  to  bring  these  together  under  such  an  arrangement  as  would 
l>est  exemplify  the  progress  of  plastic  art  at  all  epochs.  As  a result  of 
this  policy,  while  there  may  be  museums  in  Europe  richer  in  original 
works  of  sculpture  and  architecture  than  the  Museum  of  Berlin,  there 
is  certainly  none  of  geater  interest  and  utility  to  the  student  of  art. 

The  example  set  by  Berlin  has  been  followed  by  almost  every  great 
city  of  Europe.  The  South  Kensington  and  Fitzwilliam  museums,  in 
England,  and  the  museums  of  Strasburg,  Dresden,  Bonn,  Vienna, 
Munich,  and  Nuremljerg,  in  Germany,  all  illustrate  the  extent  of  this 
movement. 

Nowhere,  however,  has  the  fundamental  plan  of  such  a collection 
been  better  initiated  than  in  the  museum  recently  established  by  the 
French  Government  in  the  Palace  of  the  Trocadero  at  Paris,  under  the 
inspiration  of  M.  Viollet  le  Due.  It  is  the  purpose  of  this  collection,  as 
stated  by  him,  to  show  the  relations  existing  between  styles  of  art 
belonging  to  different  historic  epochs  by  casts  selected  from  the  best 
examples  and  carefully  classified.  The  extent  to  which  this  purpose 
has  been  attained  in  French  mediaeval  and  renaissance  art  during  the 
brief  period  of  nine  years  which  has  elapsed  since  the  museum  was 
opened  furnishes  an  admirable  illustration  of  what  can  be  accomplished 


IIIIIH 


AN  EGYPTIAN  RESTORATION 


171 


SUBJECT  FOR  MODEL. 


No.  140. — Bird’s-eye  view  of  an  Egyptian  villa.  Restored  by  Charles  Chipiez. 


f72 


ADDENDA. 


DESIGN  FOR  RECONSTRUCTION. 


No.  141.— Gateway  and  boundary  wall  of  a temple.  Restored  by  Charles  Chipiez. 


EGYPTIAN  RESTORATION. 


173 


FOR  RECONSTRUCTION  OR  MODEL. 


No.  142. — Thebes.  Portico  in  the  Temple  of  Medinet-Abou,  second  court.  Restored  by  Charles 

Chipiez. 


174 


ADDENDA 


No.  143. — The  Treasury  of  Atreus — Restored  by  Chipiez. 


ff- 7~  ^ w.j„v 

QJi 


CZ^CyY^f 


ADDENDA. 


175 


in  our  own  city  with  adequate  means.  Indeed,  we  need  go  no  farther 
than  New  England  for  an  example,  where  the  Museum  of  Fine  Arts  at 
Boston  is  provided  with  a sculptural  collection  superior  in  arrangement 
and  selection  to  any  other  similar  collection  in  this  country. 

The  reasons  which  compelled  the  Berlin  and  other  museums  to  look 
to  casts  for  their  scuptural  and  architectual  collections  apply  with  even 
greater  force  to  our  own  museum.  We  can  never  expect  to  obtain  any 
large  collection  of  original  works,  but  we  can  obtain  casts,  which,  for 
students  of  art  and  archaeology,  and  indeed  for  the  general  public,  are 
almost  their  equivalent;  and  these  casts  can  be  so  arranged  as  to  group 
together  all  works  pertaining  to  the  same  epoch,  however  widely  their 
originals  may  be  separated,  so  that  the  whole  history  of  plastic  art  can  be 
traced  through  its  masterpieces  from  the  earliest  to  the  latest  time. 

A collection  of  casts  thus  furnishes  the  best  means  for  studying  the 
history  of  art.  I11  it  the  archaeologist  finds  indispensable  material  for 
his  studies;  the  artist,  the  most  perfect  productions  of  all  styles  and 
schools;  and  the  general  public,  a sure  means  of  forming  taste  and 
cultivating  an  enjoyment  of  the  beautiful. 

If  in  connection  with  such  a collection  we  follow  the  example  of 
European  museums  and  establish  a molding  atelier,  in  which  repro- 
ductions can  be  made,  the  growing  need  of  American  museums  and 
educational  institutions  in  this  particular  can  be  supplied  from  New 
York  instead  of  from  Europe,  as  is  now  the  case,  with  all  the  disadvan- 
tages of  expense  and  delay.  An  ideal  collection  of  casts  would  include 
all  important  works  so  arranged  as  to  illustrate  the  historical  develop- 
ment of  art. 

An  excellent  beginning  has  already  been  made  at  the  Metropolitan 
Museum  in  a collection  of  sculptural  and  in  the  Willard  collection  of 
architectural,  casts.  Only  parts  of  these  collections  are  now  displayed. 

It  is  estimated  that  $100,000  will  furnish  the  necessary  means  to  give 
the  museum,  in  connection  with  what  it  already  possesses,  a fairly  com- 
plete historical  collection  of  casts. 

Objects  must  be  casts  or  copies.  Originals  remain  forever  in  posses- 
sion of  their  first  ownership.  In  Part  II  the  figures  of  their  cheapness 
are  cited.  (See  pp.  82-83. ) 

To  repeat  a few  items,  the  School  of  Fine  Arts,  Paris,  has  a catalogue 
for  sale  of  2,943  numbers. 


Statues,  4 feet  2 inches  average 26  francs=$5.2o 

Bas-reliefs,  578,  at  average .40  francs=  8.00 

Busts,  average 9 francs=  1.80 

Plus  60  per  cent  emballage. 


Parthenon  sculptures  cost  the  British  Museum  $175,000;  Phrygian 
marble,  in  1815,  $95,000.  Sixty  bas-reliefs  of  Assyrian  sculpture  are 


176  CHEAPNESS  OF  CASTS. 

offered  for  .£308 =$1 ,540,  packed  for  shipment.  Four  specimens  of 
them,  7 to  8 feet  long,  are  in  the  Assyrian  Tkrone  Room,  Halls  of  the 
Ancients.  Brucciani,  formatori  of  the  museum,  has  a catalogue  of  1,469 
numbers,  and  the  Louvre  more  of  correspond'  * ^ . s with  above 

quotations.  One  hundred  thousand  dollarsfeufficed  for  an  extensive 
outfit  of  casts  for  the  New  York  Metropolitan  ..xuseum  of  Art. 

Fig.  143  is  from  a photograph  of  7 Greek. vases  in  the  Halls  erf  the 
Ancients,  arranged  for  ornamentation  of  schoolrooms,  and  also  as  models 
in  art  instruction. 

The  central  vase  is  the  superb  amphora  from  the  British  Museum, 
exquisite  in  form.  Such  beauty  inspired  Keats’s  Ode  to  a Grecian  Urn. 
The  six  smaller  vases  are  molded  exactly  to  the  size  and  lines  of  the; 
originals  in  the  splendid  work  of  Genick  (Griechische  Keramik). 


No.  144. — Casts:  Caryatides,  Greek  masks,  Antefixa,  etc.  Models  from  the  Paris  School  of  Fine  Arts, 
the  Louvre,  and  British  Museum,  imported  for  the  Pompeian  House,  Saratoga. 

The  relief  of  the  bracket  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  the  Greek 
friezes  that  have  descended  for  standard  use  in  classic  architecture.  Its 
symbolism  is  impressive — festivity  in  the  festoon  of  fruits  caught  by 
ribbons  to  the  wine  cup,  but  conjoined  with  burned  skulls  from  the 
sacrificial  altar. 

The  group  illustrates  the  facility  and  cheapness  with  which  the  ate- 
lier of  the  future  National  Galleries  can  place  before  the  youth  of  the 
nation  all  examples  of  artistic  l>eauty  spared  from  ancient  to  modern 
times. 

America  will  then  follow  examples  of  European  nations  in  developing 
an  artistic  perception  common  to  their  people,  but  slightly  manifested 
by  Americans. 


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MODELS  OF  GREEK  FORMS  FOR  SCHOOLS. 


1 78 


No.  146.— Frontispiece  (5  feet  in  length)  of  Sivelli’s  vases,  Candelabra,  Cippi,  etc.,  of  the  Vatican. 


Restoration  by  F.  W.  Smith,  1872. 

No.  147. — The  Damascus  Gate  in  the  walls  of  Jerusalem. 


F.  W.  Smith,  Dess. 

No.  148. — Chinese  reconstructions.  Boston,  1859. 


i8o 


ADDENDA. 


The  innate  relish  of  “the  most  realistic  imitations  of  external  sights, 
as  common  to  all  mankind,  untutored  and  civilized,  ’ ’ remarked  by  Professor 
Perry,  is  repeated  here  as  the  one  conclusive  argument  for  the  reproduc- 
tions herein  proposed  for  the  people  of  the  United  States. 

Of  late  years  object  lessons  to  the  eye  largely  supplement  the  printed 
text.  Reproductions  of  ancient  architecture  date  from  the  first  world’s 


F.  W.  Smith,  Dess.,  1872. 


Nos.  149. — Dwellings  of  modern  nations.  Boston,  1872. 

fair,  in  Hyde  Park  in  1851,  in  the  Egyptian,  Greek,  Roman,  and  Alham- 
bresque courts  arranged  by  Owen  Jones,  since  imperfectly  transferred  to 
Sydenham.  From  them  the  impulse  for  this  enterprise  was  received. 
Confident  of  public  attraction  toward  such  material  representations  of  the 
architecture  of  modern  nations,  representations  of  Chinese  architecture 
were  set  up  in  the  Boston  Music  Hall  in  1859  (Fig-  136).  In  a week  the 
net  profits  to  the  building  fund  of  the  Boston  Y.  M.  C.  A.  were  $17,000. 


birthplack  of  franklin. 


j8i 


In  1872  the  idea  was  more  boldly  executed  (Figs.  139-140),  and  in  30 
days  the  net  profit  was  over  $30,000  after  outlay  of  $59,612.71.  In  a 
hall  apart  an  illustration  was  made  of  the  birthplace  of  Benjamin  Franklin 
(Figs.  138,  139).  The  profits  were  about  $800 — more  than  the  estate 
sold  for  in  1812. 

Now  the  midway  plaisance  is  an  essential  feature  of  all  world’s  exposi- 
tions. Simulations  of  ancient  life  and  manners  will  have  the  advantage 
of  greater  novelty,  stimulating  curiosity — the  impulsive  force  to  acquisi- 


tion of  knowledge. 


F.  W.  Smith,  1859. 

Benjamin  Franklin  in  Boston. 


No.  7. 

AS  TO  THE  COST  OF  THE  GALLERIES. 

In  reference  to  the  cost  of  the  Galleries  of  History  and  Art,  it  should 
be  noticed — in  remembrance  of  exact  statements  in  Part  II — that  they 
are  mainly  of  one  story ; none  of  great  height ; none  of  expensive 
design  (the  design  counts  but  little  in  concrete),  and  they  are  large 
inclosures,  long  galleries,  or  large  halls  without  interior  partitions, 
furniture,  plumbing,  etc.  Quotations  of  the  Carnegie  Steel  Company 
give  the  cost  of  structural  steel  considerably  less  than  the  price  figured 
by  Mr.  Renwick  in  1891.  Cement  is  about  the  same. 

There  is  no  doubt  but  that  the  Galleries  of  section  like  Fig.  26,  Part  II, 
can  be  built  for  $25,000  to  $30,000  per  100  feet  range. 

As  to  contents,  it  is  shown  in  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients  that  illus- 


182 


ADDENDA. 


trative  historical  paintings,  such  as  the  six  specimens  by  Messieurs 
Pascal  and  Zurcher  can  lie  executed  at  Si 50  each  in  he  st’le  adopted 
constantly  for  such  use  in  France  and  Germany.  is  is  because  they 

are  copies.  There  is  no  expense  or  delay  for  design.  series  of  Pinelli’s 

Storia  Graeca  in  the  same  style  as  the  Romana  has  ited  nearly  a cen- 
tury to  be  transferred  to  canvas  for  “diffusion  of  1 iwledge  among” 
Americans.  Revival  of  interest  in  classic  history  by  late  graphic  fiction 
will  stimulate  their  study.  One  hundred  and  two  paintings,  copies  of 
the  Pinelli  Series  on  exhibition  in  the  Roman  Historical  Gallery,  Halls  of 
the  Ancients,  1,000  feet  range  would  cost  $15,300. 


No.  152.— Fasade  of  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients,  Nos.  1312-1318  New  York  avenue.  Washing- 
ton, D.  C. 

I 


o 


'DESIGNS, 

VLANS, 

AND 

SUGGESTIONS 

FOR  THE 

AGGRANDISE- 

MENT 

OF 

WASHINGTON 

An  Egyptian  Column. 
The  Lotus  Bud. 
Restored  in  the 
Halls  of  the  Ancients, 
Washington. 


jVA  j|  | 


C.  Chipiez,  Restorer. 


56th  Congress,  ) SENATE. 

1st  Session.  f 


( Document 
I No.  209. 


PART  III. 


DESIGNS,  PLANS,  AND  SUGGESTIONS 


FOR  THE 


Aggrandizement  of  Washington, 


Franklin  Webster  Smith. 


February  12,  1900.  —Presented  by  Mr.  Hoar,  referred  to  the  Committee 
on  District  of  Columbia,  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 


WASHINGTON  : 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE. 
I9OO. 


F»  R T r 


Petition  of  Franklin  Webster  Smith  for  a site  for  National  Galleries 

of  History  and  Art. 

Descriptive  Handbook  of  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients, 

1312,  1314,  1316,  1318  New  York  Avenue,  Washington, 

Constructed  for  promotion  of  said  Galleries  according  to  the  design  annexed.— 

74  pages,  53  illustrations. 


PART  II. 

Design  and  Prospectus  for  National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art  in 
Washington,  by  Franklin  Webster  Smith.  — 173  pages,  134  illustrations. 

For  Part  I the  author  furnished  electrotypes  of  the  text  with  illustrations. 

For  Parts  II  and  III  he  supplied  electrotypes  for  113  illustrations. 

The  colored  pages  aud  printing  in  color  were  also  contributed  by  the  author. 


2 


REMARKS  OF  MR.  HOAR  IN  THE  SENATE. 


[From  the  Congressional  Record,  Fifty-sixth  Congress,  first  session.  Washington,  Monday, 

February  12,  1900.] 

National  Gallery  of  History  and  art. 

Mr.  Hoar.  I present  the  petition  of  Franklin  W.  Smith,  of  Boston, 
Mass. , praying  for  an  appropriation  of  land  for  a site  for  National  Galleries 
of  history  and  art,  and  for  aid  in  the  establishment  thereof. 

I ask  unanimous  consent  to  make  a statement  in  regard  to  this  petition. 
The  petitioner  is  a business  man  of  great  distinction  and  success,  who  for 
many  years  has  devoted  his  life  to  the  promotion  of  National  Galleries  of 
art  which  shall  represent  and  reproduce  the  architecture,  both  public  or 
ornamental  and  domestic,  of  the  ancient  nations,  especially  Greece  and 
Rome,  but  also  the  Oriental  cities.  He  has  devoted  his  whole  time  to  a 
study  of  that  subject  and  has  become  an  eminent  authority.  He  has 
made  a large  collection  of  books  and  prints,  and  has,  with  the  financial 
cooperation  of  Mr.  S.  Walter  Woodward,  of  Washington,  on  New  York 
avenue,  in  this  city,  built  and  adorned  some  halls  showing  great  beauty 
and  in  full  size  Roman,  Egyptian,  Assyrian,  and  Saracenic  architecture. 

What  the  petitioner  desires  is  to  have  the  site  of  the  old  observatory 
appropriated  by  the  United  States,  and  some  land  in  the  neigborhood, 
where  he  will  place  his  own  collection  and  devote  himself  entirely,  if  he 
maybe  permitted,  to  advancing  that  work.  It  will  become,  at  a very 
moderate  cost,  a great  ornament  to  the  capital  of  the  nation,  and  it  will 
have  an  educational  power,  he  thinks,  more  ]>otent  than  many  lecture- 
ships or  professorships.  He  hopes  very  much  that  the  members  of  the 
two  Houses  will,  before  acting  upon  his  petition,  visit,  as  some  gentlemen 
I am  told  have  already  visited,  the  beautiful  collection  and  buildings  here. 

I ask  unanimous  consent  that  this  petition,  which  is  very  brief,  com- 
prising a page  or  two,  and  the  Design  and  Prospectus  which  accompany 
it,  may  be  printed  as  a document,  for  the  use  of  the  Senate.  I under- 
stand that  there  are  some  plates,  but  he  has  all  the  plates  prepared,  so 
that  that  will  be  no  cost  to  the  Government. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  petition  will  be  referred  to  the 
Committee  on  the  Library. 

Mr.  Hoar.  I rather  think  it  would  be  better  on  the  whole  that  the 
petition  should  go  to  the  Committee  on  the  District  of  Columbia,  as  it 
asks  for  the  occupation  of  certain  lands  within  the  District. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  It  will  be  so  referred.  The  Senator 
from  Massachusetts  asks  that  the  paper  which  he  presents  may  be  printed 
as  a document. 

Mr.  Hoar.  The  petition  and  papers. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Is  there  objection?  The  Chair  hears 
none,  and  it  is  so  ordered. 


3 


CONTENTS. 


Part  III. 

AGGRANDIZEMENTS. 

First  aggrandizement:  Page. 

Several  remedial  and  ornamental  suggestions  for  Pennsylvania  avenue . . . 19 

Second : 

Condemnation  of  220  acres  adjacent  to  the  old  Naval  Observatory  and  an 

addition  thereto  of  100  acres  of  Potomac  Park,  for  Park  Istoria 12 

Third: 

A new  Executive  Mansion 37 

Fourth : 

A pavilion  memorial  bridge 46 

Fifth: 

A Centennial  avenue  as  a boulevard 54 

Sixth: 

Porticoes  for  shelter  and  luxurious  promenade 66 

Seventh: 

Clearance  of  Sixteenth  street  from  rookeries — Its  adornment  as  a bisect- 
ing boulevard — Its  name  to  be  Executive  avenue 73 

Eighth : 

The  Park  Istoria — Removal  of  the  museums — A street  of  dwellings  of 

mankind  through  the  ages 86 

Ninth: 

A National  avenue — Homes  of  the  States 92 

Tenth: 

Protection  and  beauty  for  the  banks  of  the  Potomac — Terraces  and  river 

boulevards 105 

Eleventh: 

Transformation  of  Analostan  Island  to  an  lsola  Bella 109 

Twelfth : 

Condemnation  of  land  in  south  Washington  for  enlargement  of  park  ....  116 

Thirteenth : 

Final  completion  of  filling  of  all  flats  bordering  on  the  city 1 1 8 

Fourteenth: 

Erection  of  future  great  charitable  institutions  on  the  hilltops  of  Ana- 

costia 1 19 

Fifteenth: 

Free  municipal  baths  for  Washington,  upon  a scale  proportional  to 

population,  equal  to  those  of  any  city 125 

Sixteenth: 

A National  Hall  of  Fame  in  the  colonnade  of  American  Galleries  on  the 

Potomac 132 

Seventeenth: 

Memorial  statues  to  the  civil  heroes  on  the  roll  of  benefactors  of  the 

Republic  and  the  world 133 

CONCLUSIONS. 

Measures  recommended: 

A permanent  commission  for  device  and  execution  of  comprehensive  plans 
for  the  aggrandizement  of  Washington,  with  tenure  of  office  and  powers 
• for  not  less  than  ten  years,  after  the  precedent  of  the  Massachusetts 

Metropolitan  Park  Commission  of  1892 138 

A National  Society  for  the  Aggrandizement  of  Washington 143 

*A  personal  statement 148 

ADDENDA 155 

A few  brief  repetitions  of  text  and  of  illustrations  occur  to  make  each  part 
self-explanatory. 


5 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Frontispiece.  Page. 

1-2.  Present  condition  of  Pennsylvania  avenue 10 

3.  Present  condition  of  Pennsylvania  avenue 11 

4.  Rue  de  Fdves,  Paris,  1852 12 

5.  The  Rue  Rivoli,  Paris,  1862 13 

6.  Restoration  of  the  Villa  of  Maecenas 14 

7.  Restoration  of  the  Circus  Maximus 15 

8.  Restoration  of  the  Circus  Maximus  at  grade 16 

9.  Porticoes  for  Pennsylvania  avenue 16 

10.  National  avenue  proposed  in  1891  17 

11.  A restoration  of  Roman  grandeur  21 

12.  The  Brandenburg  Gate  as  a Lincoln  Gate  for  portal  to  the  Capitol  22 

13.  Porticoes  in  the  Forum  of  Pompeii 23 

14.  Porticoes  in  Berlin 25 

15.  Porticoes  in  Carlsbad 25 

16.  Forum  of  Trajan  restored 26 

17.  Plan  of  proposed  new  location  of  Pennsylvania  Station 28 

18.  Municipal  buildings,  Bath,  England 31 

18.  Roman  bath,  Bath,  England 32 

19.  Old  Naval  Observatory 33 

20.  Land  eastward  of  Observatory 33 

21.  Premises  adjoining  the  Observatory 34 

22.  Hancock  House  and  old  State  House,  Boston 38 

23.  Design  of  Mr.  Paul  J.  Pelz  for  new  White  House 41 

24.  Ground  plan  of  new  White  House 43 

25.  Mr.  Pelz’s  design  expanded  across  Sixteenth  street 45 

26.  An  ideal  from  Roman  grandeur  for  bridge 48 

27.  A triple  pavilion  bridge 49 

28.  Section  of  the  triple  bridge 5° 

29.  Concrete  construction  with  iron 51 

30.  Capital  from  the  Erectlieum  in  concrete 52 

31.  First  line  proposed  for  Centennial  avenue 55 

32.  Plan  for  Executive  avenue  and  new  White  House 56 

33.  Plan  showing  proposed  condemnations 57 

34.  An  ornamental  portico  for  a park 65 

35.  Ground  plan  of  porticoes,  roadway,  ail'd  bridle  paths 66 

36.  Peristyle  in  a park 67 

37.  The  ruined  porticoes  of  Palmyra 68 

38.  Colonnaded  court 69 

39.  Pompeii  restored 7° 

40.  Restorations  of  the  palaces  of  the  Ctesars 7° 

41.  Design  for  a portico  with  solarium 71 

42.  Arcades  and  colonnades  in  Bologna 72 

43-44.  Views  at  L and  M streets,  on  Sixteenth  street,  April,  1900 74 

45.  A design  for  screen  front  with  ampelopsis  vine 76 

46.  Tower  of  Villa  Zorayda  with  ampelopsis 76 

47.  Hotel  Granada,  of  both  solid  and  thin  concrete 76 

48.  Playstead  in  Boston  Park 78 


7 


8 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Page. 

49.  Girls’  gymnasium,  Charlesbank,  Boston 79 

50.  Boys’  gymnasium,  Charlesbank,  Boston.  ...  80 

51.  Playstead  and  turf  bank,  Charlesbank,  Boston 81 

52.  House  of  cement  concrete _ 83 

53.  Design  for  National  Museum 87 

54.  Plan  for  one  hall  to  eight  halls 88 

55.  A Roman  house 90 

56.  AByzantinehou.se 90 

57.  A Saracenic  design 91 

58.  A Chinese  house 91 

59-98.  Thirty-eight  homes  of  the  States,  as  constructed  at  the  Chicago 

Exposition,  proposed  for  a National  avenue,  Washington 93-100 

97.  Class  from  Washington  High  School  in  Assyrian  throne  room,  Halls  of 

the  Ancients joi 

98.  National  avenue  and  plan  for  use  of  200  acres 103 

99.  A National  Pavilion 104 

100.  Condemnation  of  the  river  banks  in  Massachusetts 106 

101.  Isola  Bella 109 

102.  Labyrinth  from  Pompeii no 

103.  The  gate  at  Mycenae  hi 

104.  The  gallery  at  Tiryns in 

105.  A pergola 112 

106.  Peristylium  in  the  House  of  Pansa,  Saratoga 113 

107.  Palace  designed  by  Raphael 114 

108.  Tursi  Doria  Palace,  Genoa,  aggrandized 1 14 

109.  Restoration  of  Pretorian  Camp  on  the  Saalburg 115 

no.  Italian  Gardens  of  Mr.  Hunnewell,  Wellesley,  Mass 115 

in.  Royal  Crescent  Bath,  England 116 

112.  Map  of  area  of  land  gained  by  proposed  condemnations 117 

113.  Greenwich  Hospital,  London 120 

114.  St.  Thomas  Hospitals,  London 120 

115.  Rossini’s  restoration  of  the  Villa  of  Cassius 121 

116.  Design  for  building  for  Government  Hospital  for  Insane 123 

1 1 7.  Map  of  municipal  baths  in  Boston 126 

118.  New  Dover  Street  Bath,  Boston 128 

1 19.  Boys’  gymnasium,  Dover  Street  Bath,  Boston 130 

120.  Boys  at  anteroom  of  Dover  Street  Bath,  Boston 130 

121.  Portrait  of  Dr.  S.  E.  Smith,  author  of  “America” 134 

122.  Facsimile  of  “America” 136 

123.  Audience  at  lecture  on  National  Galleries 139 

124.  Roman  annex  of  Halls  of  the  Ancients  as  offices  of  National  Society  for 

the  Aggrandizement  of  Washington 144 

125.  Facsimile  of  G.  Washington’s  final  accounts  with  the  United  States,  1783.  150 

126.  Arched  portal  in  St.  Petersburg,  through  colonnades 175 

127.  Proposed  design  for  memorial  bridge 176 

128.  The  arch  of  Septimius  Severus,  Rome,  A.  D.  205 176 

129.  Design  for  a bridge  with  porticoes 177 

130.  A concrete  bridge  in  Eden  Park,  Cleveland 178 

13 1.  A concrete  bridge  with  balustrade . 178 

I32_133-  Embowered  houses  in  Washington 179-180 

134-135.  Views  on  the  Potomac  before  Analostan  Island 181 

136.  Concrete  building  in  construction  on  Fifth  street,  Washington 182 

137.  Photograph  of  the  work  in  progress,  June  7,  1900.  183 


THE  “CITY  BEAUTIFUL:’ 


THE  AGGRANDIZEMENT  OF  WASHINGTON.1 

FIRST.  A PLAN  FOR  A NATIONAL  AVENUE  FROM  THE  NATIONAL 
GALLERIES  TO  THE  CAPITOL. 


By  Franklin  Webster  Smith. 

First  published,  1891.  Revised,  1900. 


The  grandeur  of  the  proposed  Galleries  would  have  miserable  contrast  in 
the  meanness  and  shabbiuess  of  their  approach  by  Pennsylvania  avenue, 
the  width  of  which  now  aggravates  the  unsightly  vista  to  the  Capitol. 
The  movement  of  trade  northward  has  lessened  its  commercial  value, 
and  its  tenantry  has  declined  to  uncomely  pursuits. 

The  stranger  views  the  towering  dome  against  the  sky  with  admira- 
tion, but  his  impression  of  its  sublimity  is  marred  by  sideshows  advertis- 
ing “Wines,  Liquors,  and  Cigars;"  “ Rooms  at  go  cents;"  “ Hot  soup, 
5 cents  a plate;"  “Crabs  and  clams  in  every  style ;"  “French  drip  coffee, 
5 cents;”  “Lager,  5 cents." 

These  economical  caterers  fill  a useful  place  in  the  social  system,  sup- 
plying the  wayfarer  who  must  hoard  his  pennies,  and  meeting  the  needs 
of  philosophers  who,  like  Dr.  Franklin,  in  penury,  perambulate  with  “a 
roll  under  each  arm;”  but  their  premises  do  not  accord  with  the  mag- 
nificent colonnade  that  ranges  beyond  them  against  the  eastern  sky. 

■The  word  aggrandizement  has  been  well  considered.  Improvement  does  not 
cover  the  high  aim  of  aggrandizement.  Its  synonyms  are  augmentation,  exaltation, 
enlargement,  advancement,  promotion,  preferment.  (Webster).  They  include  also 
enrichment,  adornment.  An  alley  ora  ditch  can  be  improved  but  not  aggrandized. 

9 


Nos.  i aud  2— Views  on  Pennsylvania  avenue,  Washington,  south  side,  near  Botanical  Garden.  By  Mr.  L.  C.  Handy,  Washington,  1891. 


PRESENT  CONDITION  OF  PENNSYLVANIA  AVENUE. 


1 


PRESENT  CONDITION  OF  PENNSYLVANIA  AVENUE.  I I 

The  annexed  illustrations,  taken  in  1891  for  the  present  use,  display 
the  motley  announcements  that  line  the  grand  (!)  avenue:  "Laid  and 
Hams,"  "Samp/e  Room,"  “ Shooting  Gallery ,”  “ Plumbing ,”  etc. 

For  years  past  public  sentiment  has  voiced  public  expectation  that  the 
southern  side  of  the  avenue  must  at  some  time  be  vacated  and  the  Mall 
be  carried  through  to  the  Potomac.' 

Pennsylvania  avenue  will  ultimately  be  Haussmanni/.ed;  the  more 
speedily  the  more  economically  and  the  more  profitably  to  the  National 


No.  3. — The  rear  of  premises  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Pennsylvania  avenue  and  First  street  N\V. 
The  front  of  the  estate  is  before  the  Naval  Monument  and  the  principal  entrance  to  the  grounds 
of  the  Capitol  on  the  west. 


Treasury.  A prompt  and  effective  stroke  of  Napoleonic  legislation  is 
demanded. 

Fig.  4 is  from  a sketch  made  by  Gustave  Dore  for  Messrs.  Hachette 

’Since,  block  323  has  been  obtrusively  improved  (?)  by  the  post-office.  Waiving 
criticism  of  its  architecture,  its  worst  aspect  is  that  it  stands  askew  with  Pennsylvania 
avenue.  From  the  balcony  of  the  Capitol  it  is  a towering  irregularity.  It  has  brought 
one  blessing,  a “solemn  warning ” henceforth  against  constructions  not  on  symmet- 
rical lines.  There  is  already  demand  for  its  enlargement.  If  the  land  south  of 
Pennsylvania  avenue  should  be  condemned,  it  could  be  brought  out  to  the  avenue. 
Then  by  reduction  of  its  tower  the  structure  might  be  recased  in  combination  with 
the  addition  to  cover  its  incongruities  with  future  classic  constructions.  Its  material 
would  be  opportune  for  a mediaeval  castle  on  the  Potomac,  adjacent  to  the  Galleries. 
(Fig.  78,  Part  II.) 


12 


THE  TRANSFORMATION  OF  PARIS. 


a few  days  before  the  destruction  of  the  premises  in  1862.  On  the  site 
of  the  Rue  des  Feves  now  stands  the  vast  caserne,  fronting  the  Palace  of 
Justice,  on  the  magnificent  Boulevard  Sebastopol,  walled  with  superb 
structures  for  three  miles.  In  1852  precisely  such  wretched  houses,  in 
chaotic  mass,  filled  the  narrow  streets  on  the  site  of  the  modern  exten- 
sion of  the  Louvre  and  the  Rue  Rivoli.  Fifty  thousand  population  there 
lived  in  a dark  labyrinth  of  disease  and  crime.  The  wand  of  Haussmann 


Paris,  1852. 


No.  4. — The  Rue  des  Fives.  Gustave  I>or£.  1852. 


swept  it  away  as  rubbish,  and  in  six  years  replaced  it  by  the  scene  of 
Fig.  5.  The  new  Rue  Rivoli  swallowed  up  more  than  five  hundred  old 
houses  in  thirty  pestilential  streets  and  alleys.  Its  reconstruction  cost 

over  $16,000,000. 

This  was  only  one  of  many  magical  transformations  that  in  one  decade 
made  Paris  the  most  splendid  city  of  the  world.  The  Faubourg  St. 
Antoine  received  i ,300  new  houses.  The  Boulevards  Haussmann,  Males- 
herbes,  de  lTmperatrice,  de  1’ Opera,  and  other  superb  streets  were 


A CENTENNIAL  AVENUE. 


13 


built  in  rapid  succession.  As  a result,  the  people  were  better  housed, 
and  sanitary  advantages  equaled  the  architectural  adornment. 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  demerits  of  the  Second  Empire,  historians 
will  place  the  constructional  regeneration  of  Paris  to  its  honor. 

Such  reconstruction,  to  small  extent  in  comparison,  is  immediately 
demanded  for  Washington  on  economical  considerations. 

A plan  is  clearly  defined  in  the  mind  of  the  writer  by  which — 

First.  Pennsylvania  avenue,  between  the  Treasury  and  the  Capitol, 
would  be  redeemed  from  unsightliness  and  be  made  worthy  of  its  termini. 

Second.  A Centennial  avenue’  would  pass  upon  aline  central  under 


Paris,  1862. 


No.  5.— Tlie  Rue  Rivoli.  1S62. 


the  dome  of  the  Capitol  to  the  proposed  Parthenon  on  Observatory  Hill. 
With  stately  constructions  throughout  the  avenues,  the  architectural 
vistas  (especially  that  of  the  Centennial  avenue)  would  be  of  unsur- 
passed magnificence. 

This  scheme  would  involve  the  condemnation  of  Pennsylvania  avenue 
to  the  southward  line  of  the  Mall.  The  Baltimore  and  Potomac  Rail- 
road station  would  be  transferred  southward  and  the  market  northward, 
more  conveniently  to  the  residential  center.  The  blocks  fronting  the 
present  City  Hall  should  all  be  cleared  (as  shown  by  shading  on  the  map) 
for  the  proper  surrounding  of  a new  and  suitable  structure.-  It  will  be 
observed  that  south  of  Pennsylvania  avenue  the  property  condemned  is 


1 Now  Centennial  Avenue.  Named  National  Avenue  1891,  V,  Part  1. 


A CENTENNIAL  AVENUE. 


14 

comparatively  of  small  extent  and  value.  The  Centennial  avenue  would 
be  almost  entirely  within  present  Government  ownership. 

The  opinio7i  is  confidently  expressed  that  these  improvements  can  be 
effected  at  a large  proft  to  the  National  Treasury  that  could  be  appropt  i- 
ated  to  the  National  Galleries. 

The  land  thus  cleared  would  lie  newly 
plotted  for  grand  constructions  with  superb 
facades  in  columnar  style,  affording  great 
accommodations  in  attractive  apartments  col- 
onnaded around  interior  courts  and  gardens, 
or,  better,  assigned  entirely  to  future  Govern- 
■-  ment  buildings. 

* Such  properties  would  find  immediate  and 
? remunerative  occupation.  In  a competitive 
>.  sale  they  would  command  great  values  from 

2 the  capitalists  of  the  country  and  the  world. 
5 One  such  block  would  furnish  more  and  bet- 

' J 

« ter  accommodation  than  all  the  assorted  and 
| inferior  buildings  that  now  deface  the  avenue. 
» When  Washington  shall  have  its  National 
§ Galleries,  these  structures  will  find  occupants 
7 in  thousands  of  resident  students  and  of  visit- 
ors from  the  entire  Union.  From  the  sites 
£ * 

•f  thus  provided,  Government  would  take  those 
£ preferable  for  public  buildings. 

When  a new  Executive  residential  mansion 
•a  is  built,  the  present  building  will  probably  be 

3 assigned  to  business  purposes*  save  the  East 
£ Room  and  the  President’s  office,  to  be  pre- 
= served  forever  for  their  historical  interest. 
I The  offices  in  which  the  martyr  Presidents, 

X 

I.  Lincoln  and  Garfield,  wrought  tor  their  coun- 

vO 

o try  should  be  perpetually  1 1 hushed  in  solemn 
black.” 

Figs.  6,  7,  8,  9,  are  hints  of  the  effective 
results  imagined;  motifs  for  study  and  com- 
bination in  design. 

In  this  brief  announcement,  of  course  only 
hints  are  attempted;  the  most  desirable  is  the 
construction  of  colonnades,  about  20  feet  wide,  at  some  distance  from 
the  fa?ades  of  the  buildings.  These  would  afford  delightful  promenades, 
always  sheltered  from  rain  and  sun.  such  as  are  enjoyed  in  European 
capitals,  Paris,  Turin,  etc.  The  esplanade  above,  with  the  porticoes, 
balconies,  and  colonnades,  to  be  combined  in  the  structures  adjacent, 
would  afford  vast  accommodations  for  the  increasing  thousands  who  in 


A CENTENNIAL  AVENUE. 


15 


the  future  will  throng  the  Capital  on  inaugural  and  other  ceremonial 
occasions. 

I imagine  these  avenues  in  circuitous  connection,  grander  than  that  of 
ancient  Palmyra,  through  which  rode  Zenobia  to  the  Temple  of  Helios, 
the  Sun  God — the  handsomest,  bravest,  most  learned,  most  prudent  of 
women — in  the  combined  pomp  of  Roman  and  Oriental  ceremony  and 
display. 

As  in  Palmyra,  they  would  be  flanked  by  colonnades  and  projecting  por- 
ticoes,  the  friezes  and  pediments  bearing  in  letters  of  golden  bronze  the 
farewell  injunctions  of  Washington  to  future  generations  of  the  Republic, 
the  benign  utterances  of  Lincoln,  and  other  like  inspirations  to  wisdom  and 


No.  7. — Canina’s  restoration  of  Circus  Maximus,  with  added  motifs  by  F.  W.  Smith. 

patriotism  from  departed  statesmen  and  heroes  of  the  nation.  Votive 
columns  would  rise  to  their  honor,  like  that  to  Oranes  in  the  Palmyrene 
capital:  “ By  the  Senate  and  the  people:  as  a lover  of  his  country,  and 
in  every  regard  deserving  well  of  his  country  and  of  the  immortal  gods.” 
But  towering  above  the  colonnades  of  Palmyra,  on  the  national  avenues 
of  the  modern  Republic  would  appear  practical  constructions  to  be  profit- 
ably utilized , beyond  Grecian  and  Roman  proportions,  in  all  their  dignity, 
symmetry,  and  beauty. 

Such  designs  will  have  the  same  facility  and  economy  of  concrete  con- 
struction, with  the  same  accuracy  of  architectural  requirements,  as  here- 
inbefore described  for  the  National  Galleries. 


i6 


A CENTENNIAL  AVENUE. 


The  Circus  Maximus  of  Rome  received  150,000  people,  who  thronged 
from  the  utmost  limits  of  the  Empire  to  witness  games  iu  honor  of  the 
gods. 


No.  8. — A section  of  the  Circus  Maximus  Rome  reduced  to  a street  grade. 


No.  9. — Porticoes  on  Pennsylvania  avenue.  A Hall  of  Records.  Its  pediment  should  bear,  in 
letters  of  golden  bronze,  ‘ Reverence  the  Union;"  the  friezes  of  the  colonnades,  Lincoln's 
beatific  utterance,  “ With  malice  toward  none , with  charity  for  all , with  fairness  in  the  right  as  God 
gives  us  to  see  the  right , let  us  strive  on"  etc. 


By  intelligent  and  enterprising  legislation  a national  avenue  is  an  easy 
possibility,  that  shall  place  in  grand  array  a far  greater  throng  of  American 
citizens  to  hail  the  inauguration  henceforth  of  Presidents  of  the  United 
States. 


PLAN  OF  PROPOSED  PENNSYLVANIA,  UNION,  AND  NATIONAL  AVENUES  IN  i8qi. 


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S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  3- 


-2 


17 


National  Galleries,  at  the  west,  over  the  terraced  Historical  Galleries. 


i8 


DEVELOPMENT  OF  PLANS. 


[From  the  Congressional  Record,  April  7,  1900.] 

IN  THE  SENA  TE. 

NATIONAL  GALLERY  OF  HISTORY  AND  ART. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Gallinger  it  was  ordered  that  leave  be  granted  to  insert  certain 
cuts  and  accompanying  text  in  the  publication  of  Franklin  Webster  Smith,  praying 
for  an  appropriation  of  land  for  National  Galleries  of  History  and  Art,  and  for  aid 
in  the  establishment  thereof  in  the  city  of  Washington,  D.  C.,  the  petition  for  which 
was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  District  of  Columbia  and  ordered  to  be  printed 
on  the  1 2th  of  February-,  1900. 

The  above  legislation  was  obtained  for  this  publication  as  germane  to 
the  original  prospectus  of  1890,  after  further  study  and  information,  and 
to  illustrate  more  clearly-  its  recommendations. 

Pessimistic  readers  of  the  following  outlined  suggestions  may  think 
them  so  impracticable  as  to  whisk  them  off  to  Brobdingnag  as  a day 
dream. 

The  author  contends  that  they  are  not  at  all  disproportionate  to  their 
field,  the  opportunity,  and  the  necessity. 1 

Allowing  twenty  years  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  main  results, 
the  pace  would  be  moderate  compared  with  Haussmann’s  renovations  of 
Paris,  the  Chicago  or  the  present  French  exposition. 

They  are  exaggerated  in  effect  when  viewed  as  a whole,  although  in 
the  aggregate  the  outlay  does  not  surpass  the  amount  spent, in  Washing- 
ton in  two  or  three  decades  since  the  war. 

The  special  aim  is  to  argue  the  wisdom  of  viewing  the  demands  of 
the  future  in  a preconsidered  combination. 

A man  buys  5,000  acres  for  a splendid  estate.  If  wise  he  will  plan  at 
the  outset  its  roads,  its  clearances,  its  park,  its  gardens,  and  its  build- 
ings. He  will  move  simultaneously  upon  all  his  conceptions  for  joint 
progress,  that  at  the  time  which  he  may  dictate  -with  means  and  energy- 
lie  may  enter  upon  the  fruition  of  his  ideals.  He  would  not  spend  five 
years  upon  his  palace  and  leave  a ditch  before  his  porte  cochere. 

‘They  are  moderate  compared  with  the  plan  of  L’ Enfant  laid  upon  the  site  of 
Washington  in  1800. 

This  comparison  recalled  the  following  letter  of  the  late  Mr.  Henry  C.  Bowen, 
proprietor  of  the  New  York  Independent.  It  is  one  of  very  many  in  similar  vein 
received  during  the  last  ten  years. 

The  Independent, 

251  Broadway , New  York , September  5,  i&gi . 

Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith. 

My  Dear  Sir:  I think  y-ou  will  like  the  notice  I ordered  written  about  your 
project  for  National  Galleries,  and  hope  it  will  do  you  good. 

If  you  make  this  a “ life  work”  you  will  succeed.  But  don’t  lower  your  standard. 
Work  for  the  largest  and  best  Galleries  in  the  world,  and  stick  to  it  to  the  end  (for 
it  is  worthy  of  a life),  and  you  will  succeed. 

I can  only  spare  time  to  say  that  you  have  my  best  wishes. 

Very  truly,  yours, 


Henry  C.  Bowen. 


FIRST  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


19 


Pictures  herewith  show  that  the  comparison  is  not  amiss  for  contrasts 
of  the  United  States  Capitol,  the  most  splendid  building  in  the  world, 
and  the  slum  at  its  portal  now  as  for  fort}'  years.  There  are  many  like 
contrarieties  at  the  capital  of  grandeur  and  meanness. 

The  people  have  invested  say  $50,000,000  or  $100,000,000  in  their 
national  city.  It  is  still  unequally  improved.  Wild  spots  are  frequent. 

Broad  calculations  to  cover  a full  remedy  and  to  create  new  attrac- 
tions are  not  visionary,  but  sensible.  Wisdom  dictates  such  forethought 
for  Washington  if  it  is  to  become  what  it  should  be  and  may  be — 

A CITY  BEAUTIFUE. 

The  writer  offers  an  impulsive  effort  for  a preliminary  sketch  toward 
a grand  consummation  which  is  only  possible  by  national  legislation 
stimulated  by  national  approbation.1 

He  presumes  to  give  no  more  force  to  his  ideas  than  to  call  them  sug- 
gestions. Their  style  indicates  that  they  are  set  forth  more  as  a stimu- 
lus to  criticism  and  improvement;  to  the  presentation  of  other  plans  and 
expedients  for  the  great  purpose  of  an  aggrandizement  of  Washington, 
than  with  expectation  of  their  adoption  as  finalities. 

They  have  been  hurriedly  prepared,  since  the  Senate  resolution,  to 
illustrate  the  scope  of  the  work,  which  is  advocated  for  a commission 
with  prolonged  tenure  of  office,  that  it  may  well  mature  and  then  execute 
its  plans. 

It  is  also  a pleasant  anticipation  that  it  may  initiate  an  association  for 
‘ ‘ missionary  work  ’ ’ to  enlist  the  interest  not  only  of  Congress  and  Wash- 
ington but  of  the  nation,  for  a high  standard  of  municipal  architecture, 
and  for  best  facilities  for  the  health,  comfort,  and  pleasure  of  communi- 
ties. A scheme  for  such  an  organization  is  appended.2 

First  Aggrandizement  3 

Of  Pennsylvania  Avenue  Expedient  and  Attainable  at  Relatively  Incon- 
siderable Outlay. 

Item  A. — The  condemnation  entirely  of  the  south  side  of  Pennsylvania 
avenue,  as  above  proposed  in  1891,  to  B street , bordering  the  Mall. 

The  Commissioners  of  the  District  reported  (February,  1900)  to  the 
Senate  that  the  blocks  fronting  on  Pennsylvania  avenue  measure  649,848 

1 It  should  be  observed  that  the  design  for  the  Galleries  and  other  buildings  omits 
all  exterior  sculpture  and  ornament.  The  first  work  is  to  obtain  ample  grounds  and 
buildings.  Then  surplus  wealth  of  another  generation  can  overlay  pediments,  cor- 
nices, etc.,  with  high  art. 

2 A National  Society  for  the  aggrandizement  of  Washington. 

3 Pure  water  instead  of  the  muddy  water  of  late  from  the  Potomac  is  not  named 
as  an  aggrandizement.  With  bread  it  is  a perennial  necessity  of  being  in  life  at  all. 
The  remedy  has  now  the  attention  of  Congress. 


20 


CONDEMNATIONS  ON  PENNSYLVANIA  AVENUE. 


square  feet  (about  i2l/>  acres);  that  they  would  cost  with  improvements 
$5,929,997,  or  $9.11  per  square  foot. 

These  blocks  cover  less  than  one-lialf  the  area  of  private  property 
between  Pennsylvania  avenue  and  the  Mall.  The  remainder  measures 
about  850,000  square  feet.  Its  value  can  not  be  over  one-third  of  that  with 
frontage  on  the  avenue,  or  about  $2,000,000,  making  about  $8,000,000 
for  all  land  between  Pennsylvania  avenue  and  the  Mall. 

The  blocks  on  the  avenue  to  Sixth  street  are  not  shaped  for  public 
buildings,  being  angular  in  shape  and  only  half  the  depth  of  the  post- 
office  block.  Squares  B and  A and  the  market  space  only  are  of  suffi- 
cient size. 

To  improve  merely  the  front  line  of  Pennsylvania  avenue  and  leave 
the  slum  between  it  and  the  Mall  would  emphasize  its  present  offensive- 
ness. Condemnation  should  certainly  strike  all  the  tract.  With  the 
streets,  the  land  obtained  would  measure  about  2,850,000  square  feet, 
or  65  acres,  at  a cost,  say,  of  $3  per  square  foot. 

The  stated  income  of  the  property  is  alxmt  4 y2  per  cent  on  the 
appraisal,  larger  than  Government  interest  on  bonds.  Until  required 
for  buildings  the  purchase  would  be  a good  investment  if  the  premises 
were  purified  and  slightly  improved,  i.  e. , in  case  the  United  States 
should  be  impoverished  and  not  able  to  afford  an  addition  of  the  vacant 
territory  to  the  park. 

Item  B. — Condenmation  of  two  blocks  on  the  north  side,  next  to  entrance 

to  the  Capitol  Grounds. 

To  condemn  on  the  north  side  of  the  avenue,  next  to  the  Capitol 
grounds,  reservations  10,  11,  and  12,  blocks  572  and  574.  These  are  in 
a degraded  condition,  disgraceful  at  the  portal  of  the  most  splendid 
building  in  the  world.  They  are  unsalable  and  must  take  a low 
appraisal.  Opposite  are  the  national  gardens. 

The  reduction  of  business  area  on  the  avenue  would  largely  enhance 
the  value  of  the  remainder  on  the  north  side,  and  consequently  its  tax- 
able value.  Elegant  properties  like  the  Star  and  Post  buildings,  the 
Raleigh,  new  Willard’s,  and  other  hotels  would  rapidly  replace  its 
motley  aspect. 

When  that  condemnation  is  made  there  will  be  two  large  areas  in 
commanding  position  cleared  for  buildings  worthy  of  their  value.  The 
gardens  are  contracted,  wholly  unworthy  of  their  purposes  and  of  these 
days.  Propositions  to  take  500  acres  on  the  Virginia  side  of  the  Potomac 
are  proportionate  to  the  advance  in  horticulture,  floriculture,  and  arbori- 
culture in  1900.  Compared  with  the  Kew  Gardens  of  England  and  the 
relative  scale  of  fruit  and  food  farming  in  the  United  States,  500  acres 
are  insignificant.  The  slum  opposite  the  palm  house  and  liefore  the 
Capitol  has  held  its  hold  for  a half  century  in  downward  progress. 
Nineteen  hundred  should  commemorate  its  annihilation. 


A RESTORATION  OF  ROMAN  GRANDEUR 


21 


No.  ii. — A restoration  of  Roman  grandeur. 


22 


A PORTAL  PROPORTIONATE  TO  THE  CAPITOL. 


Annexed  is  a view  of  Roman  magnificence  appropriate  as  a motif  for 
this  conspicuous  site. 

Figure  1 2 gives  but  a slight  impression  of  the  grandeur  of  such  a por- 
tal before  the  Capitol.  To  realize  it  one  must  gradually  approach  it 


1 


No.  12. — The  Brandenburg  Gate  as  a Lincoln  Gate  before  the  CapitoL 


from  the  center  of  the  avenue  at  Sixth  street.  The  elevation  of  the  hill 
lifts  the  facade  of  the  Capital  high  above  what  would  be  the  cornice  of 
the  gateway. 

Its  width,  at  two-thirds  that  of  the  avenue,  proportional  to  the  front 


A LINCOLN  GATE — COLONNADES. 


23 


of  the  Capitol,  would  be  only  that  of  a noble  lodge  to  a vast  palace. 
Both  are  heightened  in  dignity  by  their  relation  and  contrast. 

Again,  the  approach  from  Sixth  street  reveals  the  disfigurement  of 
the  Senate  wing  by  the  thrust  against  it  of  the  old  buildings  at  the  cor- 
ner by  the  angle  at  First  street.  When  that  block  is  condemned  it  can 
be  remedied  by  a V opening,  as  will  be  suggested  at  a like  angle  at  Fif- 
teenth street  S.  and  the  avenue,  which  butts  into  the  Treasury. 

Item  C. — A Lincoln  Gate. 

Span  the  avenue  at  Four-and-a-lialf  street  by  the  Brandenburg  Gate  of 
Berlin  as  the  Lincoln  Gate  at  Washington.  That  owes  nothing  to  mod- 
ern genius.  Its  original  was  the  Propylaeum  of  the  Athenian  Acropolis. 
The  majestic  dome  of  the  Capitol  would  display  its  restful  base  upon  the 
massive  entablature  and  columns  on  lines  of  classic  perfection  of  beauty 
in  strength. 

Item  D. — Colotmadcd  porticoes  from  the  Lincoln  Gate  to  the  Capitol. 


No.  13. — Forum  of  Pompeii,  restored,  with  the  porticoes. 


From  the  Lincoln  Gate  should  extend  porticoes  on  either  side  to 
entrances  of  the  Capitol  park.  Noble  classical  facades  should  range  with 
the  porticoes  worthy  ot  the  unsurpassed  location.  Their  solidity  should 
be  relieved  by  surrounding  parterres  of  flowers  and  verdure. 

Porticoes  should  range  Pennsylvania  avenue  at  intervals  on  both  sides. 
Their  desirability  for  comfort  and  ornament  will  be  argued  more  at 
length  in  relation  to  their  general  introduction  on  main  avenues  of  the 
future  “City  Beautiful.” 


24 


PORTICOES  CARRYING  ESPLANADES. 


Item  E. — Construction  of  opc?i  porticoes  with  balconied  esplanades  above , at 
frequent  intervals  along  Pennsylvania  avenue. 

Their  desirability  for  protection  and  ornament  can  only  be  appreciated 
by  experience.  If  the  four  triangular  plots  were  covered  by  them  their 
popularity  would  be  in  evidence.  In  tropical  deluges  of  rain,  frequently 
the  cause  of  illness,  they  would  be  welcome  retreats.  Seenieally  they 
would  align  the  avenue  from  its  abrupt  breaks  and  screen  motley  store 
fronts  behind  them.  One  in  concrete  would  lie  of  insignificant  cost 
and  would  supply  molds  for  others  that  would  be  quickly  demanded  by 
public  sentiment.  Here  annexed  are  modern  availments  of  ancient 
porticoes. 

Item  F. — A magnificent  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Station  with  Ea(ade  on  a 

Plaza  open  to  the  Avenue. 

Negotiate  with  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  for  the  construc- 
tion of  the  most  magnificent  station  in  the  world,  with  a facade  upon  a 
plaza  directly  upon  Pennsylvania  avenue.  The  annexed  design  may  be 
an  inspiration  for  the  ultimate  conception.  It  is  a reconstruction  of  the 
Forum  of  Trajan.1 

The  market  estate  is  in  the  most  central  and  desirable  location.  As 
the  lease  of  it  soon  expires,  it  would  seem  that  an  exchange  for  the 
present  railroad  property  might  be  accomplished.  The  country  could 
well  afford  to  give  part  or  all  of  it  to  secure  such  a splendid  result  for 
the  coming  centuries. 

For  the  shaft  of  Trajan  sculptured  with  victories  over  ancestors  of  the 
German  race  erect  a column  of  the  American  Union  bearing  escutcheons 
of  the  States  in  order  of  accession.  Surmount  it  by  the  Angel  of  Peace 
with  an  olive  branch  instead  of  a Victory  waving  a sword  of  ghastly 
history.  The  present  open  areas  in  front  of  the  market  would  give  the 
forum  as  a plaza  to  the  station. 

The  facades  of  temples  seen  at  the  right  and  left  are  entrances  to 
colonnades  on  the  avenue.  The  Roman  fasces,  the  bundle  of  rods  bound 
to  typify  strength  in  union,  would  be  significant  symbols  in  ornament — 
E pluribus  unum. 

Since  the  above  was  written  the  annexed  report  appeared  in  the 
Washington  Star.  It  is  a discouragement  to  reasonable  expectation; 
but  considering  the  stake  at  issue  efforts  should  not  be  stayed  for  wiser 
action. 


'Fischer’s  Civil  and  Historical  Architecture.  Leipzig,  1721 


PORTICOES. 


2S 


Modern  Return  to  Ancient  Porticoes. 


No.  14. — Porticoes  surrounding  the  National  Oallery  of  Berlin. 


No.  15. — Mulilbruuneu  Portico  at  Carlsbad. 


20 


No.  16.-FORUM  OF  TRAJAN,  RESTORED. 


A GRAND  RAILROAD  STATION  ON  THE  AVENUE.  27 


THE  COST  TOO  GREAT— PENNSYLVANIA  ROAD’S  OBJECTION  TO  LOCATING  STATION 

ON  THE  AVENUE. 


Senator  McMillan  has  received  a reply  to  his  letter  to  the  officials  of  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  Company,  in  which  he  suggested  the  desirability  of  that  company 
purchasing  the  square  in  front  of  their  II  street  station,  and  bounded  by  Pennsylvania 
avenue,  Sixth,  Seventh,  and  B streets,1  in  order  that  the  station  might  front  on  the 
avenue. 

The  railway  company  officials  replied  that  they  could  not  favor  such  a project 
unless  Congress  should  assume  the  cost  of  at  least  a part  of  the  extra  expense  that 
would  be  so  placed  upon  them  in  the  purchase  of  this  square  of  ground. 

Senator  McMillan  does  not  consider  this  suggestion  as  a practicable  one,  so  that 
his  proposition  is  likely  to  be  dropped. 


It  was  hardly  to  have  been  anticipated  that  the  railroad  company 
would  assume  all  the  expense  of  land  for  public  adornment. 

A precedent  for  broad  and  liberal  cooperation  has  been  furnished  in 
the  negotiations  of  the  city  of  Boston  with  the  railroad  companies  for 
the  new  vast  union  station.  Witness  the  following  summary  of  a noble 
result: 


Mayor’s  Office, 
Boston,  Mass.,  April  12,  /goo. 

My  Dear  Sir:  The  city  has  expended  for  its  own  parks  about  £ 16,000,000.  The 
metropolitan  parks  cost  about  £10,000,000,  the  city  of  Boston  being  liable  for  about 
half.  The  metropolitan  parks  are  the  property  of  the  State. 

The  State  has  not  contributed  toward  the  South  Station,  I think.  The  city  has 
issued  £2,000,000  in  bonds  to  pay  for  work  incidental  to  the  station,  and  may  issue 
another  million.  The  station  itself  is  built  and  paid  for  by  the  railroads. 

The  North  Station,  as  you  may  know,  did  not  cost  the  city  a dollar,  directly  or 
indirectly. 

Specific  answers  to  your  questions  will  be  made  on  demand. 

Very  truly,  yours, 

Thomas  N.  Hart,  Mayor. 

Franklin  \V.  Smith,  Esq., 

13/2  New  York  avenue,  Washington , D.  C. 


A CONTRAST. 


Boston  is  a city  of  about  500,000  popu- 
lation. 

It  has  issued  bonds  to  pay  ‘ ' for  work 
incidental  to  the  station  to  the  amount  of 
£2,000,000,  and  may  issue  another  mil- 
lion.” This  was  to  provide  suitable  ap- 
proaches to  the  station  and  ample  area 
in  front  of  and  around  it.  The  station  is 
not  upon  a principal  thoroughfare. 


Washington  is  “the  seat  of  the  nation” 
of  75,000,000  population,  now  in  receipt  of 
surplus  revenue  at  the  rate  of  £75,000,000 
per  annum. 

The  block  in  front  of  the  present  sta- 
tion on  the  avenue  is  appraised  at  less 
than  £1,000,000  with  improvements.  If 
the  voice  of  the  people  of  the  United 
' States  could  be  heard  they  would  buy  the 
block  and  not  have  the  new  £1,500,000 
station  in  a narrow  third-class  street 
“round  the  corner.” 


It  is  to  be  ardently  desired  that  Congress  will  immediately  forecast  the 
public  judgment  and  by  prompt  resolution  decree  an  every  wise  beneficial 
aggrandizement  of  Pennsylvania  avenue. 


'Block  461— appraised  at  £672,484;  improvements,  £294,055;  rental,  £64,624; 
76,587  square  feet. 


No.  17. — Plan  showing  proposed  relocation  of  Pennsylvania  Railroad  territory  by  report  of  April  10, 


12th, 

Oa 

Op 

327 

8 

v?  1 

US  ! 

28 


GRAND  PENNSYLVANIA  RAILROAD  STATION. 


29 


On  the  10th  of  the  current  month,  April,  was  published  a report  of 
negotiations  with  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  concerning  the  Baltimore 
and  Potomac  line  in  the  city,  new  station,  etc. 

It  is  evidently  a very  exhaustive  treatment  of  the  subject.  What  the 
present  writer  suggests  in  reference  to  a station  for  the  Pennsylvania  Rail- 
road is  simply  in  relation  to  architectural  effect.  He  knows  nothing  of 
the  engineering,  legal,  and  other  complications  involved.  Probably  these 
bar  the  removal  of  the  station  from  its  present  site  ; but  the  report,  so  far 
from  conflicting  with  the  main  idea  here  advocated,  prepares  the  way  for 
its  more  urgent  advocacy. 

In  ignorance  of  the  territory  owned  by  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company  or  of  what  is  proposed  by  new  legislation  to  be  conveyed  to 
them,  it  is  not  presumed  to  attempt  definite  suggestions. 

A writer  in  the  Star  (May  2)  states  that  in  all  probability  Armory 
Square  “will  be  almost  exclusively  devoted  to  railroad  purposes  within 
a few  years — a blemish  to  be  made  more  conspicuous  by  a Centennial 
avenue.  ’ ’ 

The  annexed  plan  shows  the  proposed  new  lines  of  entry  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  to  its  new  depot.  It  will  occupy  the  whole  block  on 
which  now  it  covers  but  a corner.  Its  tracks  will  cut  off  the  Botanic 
Garden  from  the  park. 

It  exhibits  plainly  the  damage  to  the  picturesqueness  of  the  park. 
Yet  it  may  be  a monumental  enrichment  instead,  when  its  bridge  is 
cast  upon  the  arches  and  covered  in  a pavilion  cast  from  the  molds  of 
the  Memorial  Bridge  (vide  pp.  48-50). 

If  a portion  of  these  lands  are  to  be  under  control  of  the  railroad 
companies,  they  should  not  cut  off  ample  communication  between  the 
two  sections.  The  convenience  of  the  railroad  should  yield  largely 
to  public  pleasure  and  advantage — by  arches,  not,  like  those  under 
Broad  street  station  in  Philadelphia,  low  and  forbidding,  but  wide, 
high,  and  grand,  like  that  under  Charing  Cross  station  over  the  Thames 
embankment  in  London,  to  be  buried  in  verdure.  That  could  be  an  orna- 
mental connection,  and  there  would  be  then  but  one  park  of  goodly  size. 

When  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  expends  a million  and  a half  on  a 
new  station,  it  will  be  lamentable  to  have  it  placed  in  the  rear  of  a block 
on  Pennsylvania  avenue.  That  block  should  be  cleared  for  a plaza  in 
counterpart  of  the  Roman  Forum  reproduced.  The  colonnades  in  the  lat- 
ter should  range  along  the  facade  of  the  new  station  and  should  entirely 
surround  the  plaza. 

It  is  sincerely  to  be  hoped  that  when  it  shall  rise  it  will  be  a classic 
exemplar  for  other  constructions  to  follow. 

Washington  is  synonymous  with  the  seat  of  national  legislation ; its 
characteristic  architecture,  therefore,  should  be  accordant  in  dignity. 
No  style  equals  that  of  Greece  for  this  expression.  For  modern  utility 
it  is  in  combination  with  the  Roman  arch,  but  without  the  meretricious 


30 


ENLARGEMENT  of  the  mall. 


ornamentation  with  which  in  lavishness  of  luxury  and  love  of  display  the 
Romans  corrupted  the  purity  of  Grecian  art. 

The  angularities  of  the  mediaeval  and  feudal  styles,  conglomerate  iti 
the  new  post-office,  or  the  florid  ornament  of  the  renaissance  should 
find  no  place  henceforth  in  Government  constructions. 

The  former  is  for  effects,  romantic  or  picturesque : the  latter  is  appro- 
priate in  the  domain  of  art  and  of  luxury  ; but  the  atmosphere  of  Wash- 
ington in  entirety  should  be  that  of  the  calm  majesty  of  the  Capitol  and 
the  portico  of  the  Treasury. 

The  human  mind  has  sought  and  found  expression  in  architecture. 
Without  voice  to  lie  heard  it  has  a power  of  impression  to  be  felt.  It  is 
a voice  in  the  air,  subtle  but  powerful.1 

Item  G. — Clearance  of  the  market  estate  and  its  addition  to  the  park. 

Upon  the  presumption  that  the  tract  between  the  avenue  and  the 
Mall  will  be  condemned,  then  the  market  space  should  be  cleared  and 
added  to  the  park.  A magnificent  addition  will  then  be  at  hand  for 
an  aggrandizement  that  will  be  a joy  forever.  Let  the  proposed  Union 
column  of  the  States  be  transferred  to  this  central  point  of  the  avenue, 
and  at  the  center  of  a park  treated  with  the  highest  possible  art  and 
skill  of  architects,  artists,  florists.  Let  fountains  flow  around  its  base 
as  symbolical  of  the  blessings  of  Webster’s  panegyric — which  should 
adorn  in  letters  of  golden  bronze  the  frieze  of  a colonnade  inclosing  the 
square — “Liberty  and  Union,  now  and  forever,  one  and  inseparable!” 
Here  occurs  the  possibility  of  a proper  celebration  in  December,  1900, 
as  recommended  by  the  President,  with  the  laying  of  a foundation  stone 
for  a Union  Column. 

Apparently  engineering  details  involved  and  the  large  appropriation 
demanded  will  delay  commencement  of  the  Bridge  and  the  Centennial 
avenue  will  be  much  debated. 

If  Congress  should  approve  a column  of  the  Union,  as  the  lease  of  the 
market  site  is  soon  to  expire,  a central  point  of  the  square  could  be 
designated  for  a magnificent  bronze  column  of  the  Union,  to  be  belted 
with  the  record  of  the  States’  accession  in  their  order,  and  their  shields. 

Foundation  for  this  can  be  placed  and  a corner  stone  placed  exactly 
upon  its  resting  place  so  long  as  the  Union  shall  endure. 

1 1 recall  vividly  from  personal  experience  voices  from  the  past.  I hear  practical 
facts  and  arithmetic  in  the  British  Parliament;  chain-lightning  flashes  of  French 
passion  in  Paris;  sonorous  periods  of  Castelar  in  the  Cortes  at  Madrid,  in  “the  lan- 
guage of  the  gods;”  glittering  generalities  of  Rufus  Choate  in  Boston  and  New  York  ; 
but  in  Washington  the  Jove-like  depth  and  reverberation  of  Webster  (see  p.  — ) — an 
invocation  for  the  stateliness  of  Demosthenes  in  exposition  of  the  Greek  court  of 
the  National  Galleries  on  the  future  American  Acropolis. — F.  W.  S. 


tit 


A REMEDY  OF  THE  VISTA  AT  FIFTEENTH  STREET.  3 1 

This  occasion  will  awaken  the  national  enthusiasm,  will  inspire 
oratory,  will  write  its  memory  on  the  hearts  of  the  youth  of  the  land  to 
pass  onward  to  children’s  children  by  the  venerated  tones  of  tradition. 

Item  II. — Remedy  to  the  utmost  possible  the  awkward  and  disappointing 
butt  of  Pennsylvania  avenue  into  the  Treasury. 

It  can  be  greatly  relieved  thus: 

Block  266  (the  Hotel  Regent)  being  condemned,  at  a point  opposite  the 
westerly  line  of  the  new  Willard’s  Hotel  reverse  the  angle  of  the  block 
between  Willard’s  and  Fifteenth  street  with  the  avenue. 


No.  18.— Municipal  buildings  and  technical  schools,  Hath,  Rugland. 


This  \l  opening  would  give  a visual  range  southwesterly,  striking 
below  the  Sherman  statue,  over  the  Executive  Grounds  to  B street,  on 
Potomac  Park.  Now  it  ends  northerly  against  the  State,  War,  and  Navy 
building.  If  the  land  and  buildings  between  Willard’s  and  Fifteenth 
street  were  condemned  and  resold  at  auction,  subject  to  a prescribed 
and  suitable  design  for  building,  the  betterment  would  pay  all  cost  of 
the  exchange.  The}'  are  old  and  ordinary  buildings. 

It  would  open  an  imposing  view  of  the  beautiful  Ionic  colonnade  of 
the  Treasury  if  the  corners  north  and  south  of  the  avenue  at  this  point 
could  be  rounded  as  in  the  example  (Fig.  18)  from  the  municipal  build- 


32 


SECOND  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


ings  of  Bath,  England.'  A great  advantage  of  that  condemnation  would 
be  the  control  of  the  height  of  the  buildings  at  this  focal  point  of  scenic 
effect.  If  a sky  scraper  should  at  this  corner  crush  into  downward  insig- 
nificance the  Treasury  elevation,  it  would  be  a monumental  aggravation. 
If  the  new  Willard’s  is  to  rise  to  discordant  height  the  skyline  from  the 
corner  might  be  raised  to  relieve  it  in  part.  Here  again,  as  in  all  such 
instances,  betterments  would  defray  all  cost.  But  what ! what ! ! if  it 
did  not? 

Fortunes  were  made  in  Paris  by  such  creation  of  values,  with  still 
greater  gains  to  the  State,  from  Haussmann’s  vast  renovations.  Here 
could  be  effectively  introduced  colonnades  on  curved  lines  in  harmoni- 
ous contrast  with  the  Brandenburg  Gate  at  the  east. 

Second  Aggrandizement. 

The  condemnation  of  200  acres  of  land  adjacent  to  the  old  Naval  Observa- 
tory, now  zoaste  land — the  dump. 

This  condemnation  will  naturally  follow — indeed,  upon  public  con- 
sideration of  the  conditions  involved  and  the  great  results  to  accrue,  it  is 

‘Tlie  author  is  glad  to  acknowledge  the  courteous  liberality  of  the  aldermen  of  the 
city  of  Bath,  England,  toward  the  National  Galleries. 


Roman  Baths  about  B.  C. — Bath,  England. 


The  renowned  Roman  hatlis  which  were  discovered  beneath  the  city  have  been 
restored  and  arc  now  an  attractive  feature  of  the  ancient  town.  Upon  a request  for 
a specimen  of  the  original  lead  pipe,  the  terra  cotta  hot  air  pipes,  etc.,  the  aldermen 
departed  from  their  established  rule  and  by  vote  presented  remarkably  interesting 
relics  that  are  now  on  exhibition  in  the  Roman  House  of  the  Halls. 

American  travellers  will  enjoy  a visit  to  the  picturesque  old  city  and  may  well 
avail  themselves  of  its  complete  establishment  as  a Spa. 


THE  OLD  OBSERVATORY  HILL. 


33 


likely  to  precede — the  condemnation  of  the  south  side  of  Pennsylvania 
avenue. 

The  tract  covers  the  entire  area  between  Seventeenth 
street  and  the  Potomac  and  between  E and  B streets  (about 
200  acres);  adding  the  Observatory  tract,  220  acres. 

This  historic  and  important  tract,  the  only  natural  elevation  remaining 
within  the  limits  of  the  city,  designated  above  Washington’s  signature 
(see  facsimile,  Part  I)  for  an  institution  of  learning,  comprising  23  acres, 
the  key  to  a grand  development  of  300  acres,  as  will  be  seen  by  plans 
herewith,  is  now  utilized  only  for  the  purpose  set  forth  in  the  annexed 
slip,  occupying  merely  the  old  Observatory  buildings.  The  balance  of 
the  estate  is  in  disorder — kitchen  gardens,  with  shanties,  or  utterly  wild. 
Certainly  a specialty,  most  scientific  and  important,  but  in  detail  abso- 
lutely without  interest  to  most  people,  and,  from  its  nature,  repulsive  to 
many,  can  not  be  afforded  merely  for  exhibits  below  described. 

A MUSEUM  OK  HYGIENE — NEW  USE  FOR  THE  OLD  NAVAL  OBSERVATORY — SEEK 

MICROBES  INSTEAD  OF  STARS. 

“There  is  a Naval  Museum  of  Hygiene  in  Washington,  established  on  the  most 
historic  spot  in  the  city,  containing  objects  of  new  and  unique  interest  which  have 
never  yet  come  under  the  tourist’s  eye,  and  which  are  seldom  inspected  by  the 
"Washington  public.”  It  is  a white  building,  fashioned  after  the  colonial  style, 
with  white  wings  on  both  sides,  cut  by  arched  windows  and  columned  doors — that 
simple,  majestic  order  of  house  framed  long  ago  by  the  aristocracy  of  the  South,  but 
few  examples  of  which  remain  around  Washington  to-day.  It  stands  high  on  a 
northwest  hill  skirting  the  river  near  Georgetown,  and  a dome  arising  from  its  center 
above  the  silver  poplars  and  maples  marks  it  for  miles  in  the  distance  as  the  old 
Naval  Observatory. 

For  several  years  after  the  removal  of  the  Observatory  to  its  present  quarters  on 
the  Tennallytown  road  it  remained  under  the  eye  of  a solitary  watchman,  and  the 
rains  beat  the  ceilings  in  and  weeds  ran  riot  all  over  the  19  acres  of  the  Observatory 
grounds. 

It  is  a bit  remote  from  car  lines,  “ but  that  makes  it  all  the  more  delight- 
ful,” said  Dr.  C.  H.  White,  the  surgeon  in  charge  of  the  Museum,  who  has  the 
left  wing  of  the  Museum  transformed  into  far  more  comfortable  quarters  than  he 
ever  had  aboard  a man-of-war.  “It  is  really  an  ideal  spot  for  work.  If  we  want 
the  city,  why,  there  it  is.”  He  pointed  to  the  roofs  massed  thick  and  gray  off  to 
the  south,  the  Monument,  the  Capitol,  the  Library.  The  city  makes  a superb  sweep 
just  there,  can  be  seen  well,  and  the  river  gleams  off  to  the  rear,  so  that  artists  like 
to  sketch  on  Observatory  Hill. 

Its  purposes  are  the  preparation  of  models  and  drawings  to  be  used  in  the  illustra- 
tion of  sanitary  science  and  its  progress,  the  preservation  of  the  objects  already  col- 
lected, and  the  transportation  of  contributions  intended  for  exhibition.  Twenty- 
three  cases  of  Museum  exhibits  were  forwarded  to  the  Nashville  Exposition  recently. 
The  total  number  of  exhibits  in  the  Museum  is  now  2,000. 

Each  room  in  the  new  Museum  has  not  yet  been  particularly  classified,  except  the 
library  and  plumbing  and  filter  rooms,  consequently  are  filled  with  a rather  mis- 
cellaneous assortment,  from  Belgian  and  Chinese  shoes,  Korean  hats,  Mexican  san- 
dals, down  to  all  sorts  and  kinds  of  food,  shells,  cots,  hospital  ships,  hospital  camps, 
crematories,  and  water  pipes. 

S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  3 3 


34 


PRESENT  USE  OF  OBSERVATORY  HILL. 


Under  the  head  of  architecture  there  are  numbers  of  interesting  exhibits,  the 
models  of  barracks,  wards,  and  a United  States  Army  general  hospital  being  of 
especial  value.  There  are  innumerable  plans  and  models  for  the  construction  of 


No.  19. — The  old  Observatory  building. 


No.  20. — View  of  land  eastward  from  Naval  Observatory. 


schools,  colleges,  asylums,  almshouses,  reformatories,  factories,  laboratories,  hos- 
pitals, and  ships,  and  for  their  proper  ventilation,  drainage,  and  illumination. 

The  exhibit  of  vaults,  morgues,  mortuaries,  cremation,  and  all  methods  and  cus- 
toms for  the  burial  of  the  dead  are  also  unique  and  interesting,  among  them  being 


CONDEMNATION  OF  LAND  ADJACENT  TO  THE  OBSERVATORY.  35 


an  exact  reproduction  in  miniature  of  [the  far-famed  “Tower  of  Silence,”  just 
outside  the  city  of  Bombay,  where  the  vultures  flock  by  the  thousand  for  their  feast 
on  death.  A model  of  the  picturesque  crematory  at  Mount  Olivet  Cemetery, 
Williamsburg,  N.  Y.,  is  also  on  exhibition,  and  that  hideous  engine,  “Sieman’s 
furnace,”  as  well  as  burglar-proof  vaults,  metallic  burial  caskets,  Alaskan  Indian 
caskets,  and  old  Roman  cinerary  urns. 

For  two  hundred  years  or  more  Observatory  Hill,  under  various  and  different 
names,  has  been  one  of  the  landmarks  about  Maryland.  It  colors  up  that  entire 
dilapidated  section  of  the  city  with  a dash  of  the  picturesque,  and  glows  with 
interest  and  "story.” 

E street,  it  is  seen,  ranges  westwardly  from  the  southwest  corner  of 
Pennsylvania  avenue  and  Fifteenth  street  (the  Regent  Hotel).  The 
Corcoran  Gallery  is  on  the  northeast  corner  of  the  tract.  It  is  now  the 
dump  of  the  city.  Its  condition  is  shown  in  cuts  annexed  (Figs. 


No.  21. — Premises  adjoining  the  Observatory,  eastward. 


19-21).  It  is  stated  by  real-estate  experts  that  a fair  valuation  is  50 
cents  per  square  foot.  There  are  no  improvements  worthy  of  mention. 

If  the  northerly  line  of  condemnation  be  carried  halfway  to  F street 
the  entire  frontage  in  the  Galleries  and  park  would  be  under  Government 
control.  Rawlins  Park  is  within  the  lines. 

This  condemnation  will  be  inevitable  sooner  or  later.  The  approach 
to  a memorial  bridge  by  New  York  avenue,  as  hitherto  proposed,  would 
otherwise  be  bordered  with  slovenliness.  Its  entrance  at  present  would 
be  adjacent  to  an  overtopping  brewery.  It  is  confidently  predicted  that 
those  diagonal  avenues,  cutting  this  large  rectangular  block  into  trian- 
gles, will  be  abandoned  for  parallel  lines.  They  leave  more  pointed 
spaces,  awkward  for  treatment  and  spoiling  sites  for  large  buildings,  as 
on  Pennsylvania  avenue.  The  mischief  will  later  be  made  apparent  by 
contrast  of  another  plan  for  this  important  block. 


36 


CONDEMNATION'  OF  OBSERVATORY  TRACT. 


The  terraced  range  of  National  Galleries  for  a half  mile  would  now 
be  bounded  by  shanties  of  the  meanest  description  on  E street.  The 
frontispiece  shows  in  their  place  blocks  of  apartments  and  extensive 
open-air  restaurants,  gardens,  etc.  These  will  lie  demanded  for  econom- 
ical accommodation  of  thousands,  who  from  their  completion  will  crowd 
excursion  trains  for  exhaustless  facilities  created  for  instruction. 

Now,  in  the  supposed  possession  by  Government  of  the  line  between 
E and  F streets  the  most  admirable  opportunity  is  provided  for  realizing 
a happy  thought.  The  tract  would  measure  5.000  feet  in  length  by, 
say,  250  feet  in  depth. 

The  houses  of  the  States  at  Chicago  are  pictured,  pps.  93-99.  The 
range  of  5,000  feet  would  be  ample  for  all.  Let  it  be  apportioned  in 
frontage  according  to  their  population,  the  assignment  from  the  easterly 
terminal  being  made  in  the  order  of  the  accession  of  the  States  to  the 
Union,  and  the  lots  sold  to  the  different  States  for  welcome  resorts  of 
their  citizens  in  Washington.  Thus  the  expense  of  splendid  construc- 
tions along  the  whole  line  of  the  Gallery  tract  would  return  to  the 
United  States  Treasury. 

Now  it  is,  and  without  comprehensive  control  it  will  continue  to  be, 
an  unsightly  adjunct  to  Potomac  Park  and  Centennial  avenue. 

Plainly  the  frontage  of  E street  or  F street  along  the  National 
Galleries  would  so  enhance  values  of  the  tract  adjacent  north  to  Penn- 
sylvania avenue  that  the  present  taxable  value  of  land  condemned  would 
return  in  surplus.  Delay  will  bring  greater  cost  and  probably  at  a time 
more  burdensome  to  the  National  Treasury  than  in  1900,  when  patriot- 
ism is  responsive  to  greater  grandeur  for  Washington. 

What  are  $10, 000,000  for  such  incalculable  gains  for  all  time  placed 
against  the  vast  total  of  national  profits  and  the  present  scale  of  national 
expenditure  ?' 

But  if  Congress  withholds  the  accomplishment  of  both  the  south  side 
of  Pennsylvania  avenue  and  of  E street,  the  alternative  should  be  pre- 
ferred of  condemning  the  220  acres  for  one-fourtli  the  money  of  the 
cost  of  65  acres  on  the  avenue. 

The  65  acres  on  Pennsylvania  avenue  would  cost,  say,  $8,000,000. 

The  220  acres  on  the  same  line  northerly  and  westerly  to  the  Potomac, 
fronting  on  the  park,  with  its  entire  boundaries  in  Government  owner- 
ship. land  well  above  the  flood  line,  from  10  to  60  feet,  with  the  Observ- 
atory lot  included,  draining  to  the  river,  adjacent  to  the  Executive,  State, 
War,  Navy,  and  Treasury  Departments — all  in  one  solid  block  of  rectan- 
gular form — can  be  had  for  less  than  $2,000,000. 

For  the  Government  ownership  of  220  acres  it  is  necessary  to  buy 
only  105  acres,  valued  for  taxation  in  1890,  with  improvements,  at 
$1,421,345,  1 15  acres  being  covered  by  streets,  reservations,  and  the 
Observatory  site. 


'Abundant  prosperity  — See  Addenda  No.  2. 


THIRD  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


37 


For  the  acquisition  of  the  block  to  E street  (192  acres)  there  must  lie 
bought  only  77  )4  acres,  valued  at  $604,300.  This  tract  is  appraised  at 
an  average  of  18  cents  per  square  foot.  The  entire  tract  is  appraised  at 
an  average  of  31  cents  per  square  foot. 

Would  it  not  be  an  advantage  to  have  all  Departments  thus  placed 
compactly  together,  rather  than  along  a mile  to  the  east?  The  Legisla- 
tive Department  is  only  in  Washington  a part  of  the  time.  The  others 
must  be  in  constant  communication  throughout  the  year. 

The  filled  lands  of  Potomac  Park  are  not  up  to  intended  grade.  They 
are  now  a useless  waste.  The  Mall  would  be  greatly  improved  by  ele- 
vation for  draining  and  undulating  surfaces  in  landscape.  Gravel  hills 
in  Virginia  should  be  moved  across  the  river.  Massachusetts  filled  a 
square  mile  of  tidal  basin  from  hills  in  Quincy,  adding  millions  of  profit 
to  the  State  treasury  and  many  more  millions  to  the  taxable  real  estate 
of  Boston,  in  what  is  now  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  opulent  resi- 
dential districts  in  the  world.  The  filling  cost  but  35  cents  per  square 
foot.  The  delay  of  the  completion  of  the  parks  for  use  has  not  only 
deprived  a generation  of  their  use,  but  has  been  a stop  to  financial  gain 
to  the  city  that  would  have  followed.1 

At  the  time  an  appeal  was  made  to  save  a tidal  basin  like  the  Alster, 
in  Hamburg.  Its  failure  will  forever  lie  regretted.  Washington  has 
been  more  wisely  guarded,  securing  four  lakes  that  will  be  refreshing 
features  of  Potomac  Park. 


Third  Aggrandizement. 

A new  Executive  Mansion. 

The  prospectus  of  1891  anticipated,  as  a certainty  of  the  future,  a new 
Executive  Mansion.  A proposition  to  patch  up  the  exquisite  proportions 
of  the  old  White  House,  to  close  up  familiar  openings  that  for  a century 
have  been  the  outlooks  of  Presidents,  and  which  have  met  the  eager  and 
grateful  gaze  of  the  American  people,  by  incongruous  additions  were  not 
imagined  possibilities. 

Lamentable  will  be  the  day  when  blows  of  demolition  or  additions 
shall  mar  its  symmetry.  It  should  be  enshrined  entire  for  patriotic  in- 
spiration from  gathered  memorials  of  those  who  have  wrought  therein. 
For  a century  the  will  of  the  people  through  law  has  dispensed  its 
authority  in  beneficent  results  of  unparalleled  happiness  and  prosperity. 

Massachusetts  mourns  the  day  when  a narrow-minded  legislature  re- 
fused to  buy  and  save  the  home  of  John  Hancock  for  a gubernatorial 
mansion. 

lSee  addenda  for  statements  of  profits  to  the  State  of  Massachusetts  of  over 
$6,000,000  in  cash  and  other  millions  in  prospect,  besides  very  many  times  that 
amount  to  the  valuation  of  the  city  of  Boston,  resulting  from  its  liberal,  energetic,  and 
thorough  enterprises  of  filling  tidal  basins  and  flats. 


38 


A NEW  WHITE  HOUSE. 


The  debate  on  the  purchase  of  the  Hancock  house  occurred  in  the 
legislature  of  1859,  Nathaniel  P.  Banks,  governor. 

The  purchase  was  strongly  recommended  by  him  in  his  message.  He 
said:  “I  know  of  no  other  subject  that  could  better  occupy  the  attention 
of  the  legislature  on  the  birthday  of  Washington,  hallowed  by  associa- 
tions connected  with  the  memory  and  frequent  presence  of  Washing- 
ton, Franklin,  Lafayette,  and  other  patriots.” 

The  speech  of  C.  W.  Upham  closed  as  follows:  ‘‘My  prayer  is  that 
when  we  come  to  the  final  vote  we  may  give  one  loud,  unanimous  aye 
in  favor  of  discharging  this  debt  of  patriotism  to  that  name  which  is 
the  exponent  of  the  Union  of  the  American  States — the  name  that  heads 


No.  22. — Hancock  House  and  old  State  House,  Boston. 


the  glorious  and  immortal  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence; 
of  expressing  this  honorable  sentiment  of  public  gratitude;  of  exhibiting 
an  example  that  will  shine  before  our  countrymen  and  be  recorded  in 
letters  of  light  in  the  annals  of  the  State.” 

The  vote  was:  Yeas,  97;  nays,  102.  This  vote  was  five  years  before 
the  war  for  the  Union  had  aroused  patriotism,  shown  the  powers  and 
forecast  the  future  greatness  of  the  country.  Five  years  later  (1864) 
the  purchase  would  have  been  overwhelmingly  voted.  In  1900  it  would 
have  unanimous  aye. 

The  people  have  since  sought  consolation  in  repentance  by  restoration 


REQUIREMENTS  FOR  A WHITE  HOUSE. 


39 


of  the  old  State  House  to  its  exact  original  aspect  and  its  dedication  to 
the  history  made  by  appeals  of  patriots  within  and  fatal  valor  without  its 
walls  at  the  Boston  massacre. 

Bet  the  White  House  remain  in  exact  renewal  as  a national  sanctuary. 
Bet  a new  structure  be  built  adjacent  without  encroachment  on  the  vista 
enjoyed  by  successive  Presidents  from  its  southern  portico. 

Bet  a Centennial  monument  of  their  executive  administration  be  the 
terminal  of  that  vista  (at  M on  plan),  as  an  incentive  to  faithfulness 
before  a new  structure  (at  N on  plan)  for  executive  offices.  It  should 
contain  a reception  hall  for  ambassadors  and  other  formalities  adjacent  to 
the  business  departments. 

For  nine  years  since  publication  of  the  above  suggestions  considera- 
tions of  expediency  as  well  as  sentiment  have  confirmed  the  conviction 
of  their  wisdom. 

The  debatable  question  is  the  site. 

1.  It  should  be  the  most  healthful  and  available  site,  central  to  Wash- 
ington. Better  of  Dr.  Sowers,  Addenda. 

2.  It  should  be  somewhat  away  from  offices  of  Presidential  care  and 
labors,  demanding  at  eventide  a change  of  scene. 

3.  It  should  be  magnificent  in  its  elevation.  As  the  flag  of  Britain 
floats  alxive  the  round  tower  of  Windsor,  the  ensign  of  America  should 
wave  responsively  from  heights,  stronghold  of  its  executive  forces. 

4.  The  President  of  the  United  States,  representing  a dignity  un- 
equaled on  earth,  should  have  a luxurious  and  artistic  home,  ample  for 
his  hospitalities. 

5.  Adjacent  but  apart  should  be  a grand  Executive  Mansion  for  a 
triple  use: 

First.  Official  entertainment  by  the  President  of  representatives 
accredited  from  foreign  governments,  that  they  may  not  bargain  for 
quarters  at  hotels. 

Second.  For  state,  diplomatic,  and  other  formal  dinners  there  should 
be  suitable  dining  and  drawing  rooms. 

Third.  For  state  and  public  receptions  there  should  be  a new  East 
Room,  more  commodious  and  grand  than  the  present,  proportionate  to 
the  increase  of  the  nation.  Stateliness  of  a Presidential  mansion  is  for 
the  national  pride  of  the  people  of  the  United  States  that  they  shall  see 
him  installed  worthily  of  the  dignity  they  have  conferred  upon  him. 
These  apartments  should  be  open  to  the  public  when  not  in  special 
occupancy. 

6.  Instead  of  the  mews  of  a Czar  or  an  Emperor,  wherein  400  horses 
are  stabled  in  palaces,  the  President  of  the  United  States  and  his 
family  should  dwell  amid  the  richest  products  and  loveliest  beauties  of 
Pomona  and  Flora.  Presidential  gardens  should  be  like  the  Congressional 
Eibrary — unsurpassed;  to  be  visited  with  delight  by  the  people.  They 
should  be  the  highest  realization  through  human  intelligence  of  “ the 


40 


A NEW  WHITE  HOUSE. 


promise  of  even-  herb  yielding  seed  after  its  kind  and  every  tree  yielding 
fruit  after  its  kind.” 

Such  results  from  liberal  expenditure  would  be  ratified  by  the  people, 
the  honor  and  happiness  of  their  President  being  shared  by  themselves. 

The  country  is  indebted  to  the  patriotic  intelligence  and  artistic  per- 
ception of  Mrs.  J.  B.  Henderson  for  a noble  conception  of  a site  and 
design  for  a new  White  House.1 

The  architectural  ability  of  Mr.  Paul  J.  Pelz,  architect  of  the  Library 
(an  advisory  architect  for  the  National  Galleries),  has  been  applied  to 
illustration  of  Mrs.  Henderson’s  ideals.  (See  plate  annexed.) 

Mrs.  Henderson’s  pen  has  clearly  set  forth  in  the  press  arguments  for 
her  plan  and  for  a broad  scheme  for  improvements  of  Washington  there- 
with, as  annexed. 

AVENUE  AND  WHITE  HOUSE. 

[March  19,  1900.] 

To  the  Editor  of  The  Evening  Star: 

In  planning  future  improvements  at  the  national  capital  one  ironclad 
rule  should  be  kept  in  mind,  namely,  never  to  infringe  on  public  parking 
for  building  sites. 

If  our  population  continues  to  increase  as  it  has  done  in  the  last 
hundred  years,  beginning  with  5,000,000  and  more  than  doubling  every 
twenty-five  years,  another  century  must  bring  results  scarcely  conceived 
by  him  who  lives  to-day. 

A shortsighted  Congress  once  gave  away  a third  of  the  District — 
a mistake  now  deeply  regretted.  Another  Congress  failed  to  appre- 
ciate the  scheme  of  Major  L’ Enfant  for  the  laying  out  of  the  capital 
city  and  declined  to  pay  him  more  than  a pittance  for  what  they  con- 
sidered an  extravagant  and  foolish  plan.  Major  L’ Enfant  declined  to 
receive  both  the  pittance  and  the  advice,  and  died  in  disappointment 
and  poverty. 

(Record  from  history  most  lamentable!  A future  monument  to  his 
fame  will  be  conspicuous  in  effort  for  atonement. — F.  W.  S.) 

We  are  now  enthusiastically  grateful  for  what  he  did  accomplish,  . 
regretting  always  that  his  plan  for  parks  and  avenues  stopped  short 
of  the  District  line,  and  that  so  little  provision  was  made  for  open  spaces 
about  all  our  public  buildings. 

It  has  been  said  that  the  capital  represents  the  face  of  the  nation, 
while  the  States  are  the  body.  If  the  body  is  shabby  and  small,  the  face 
will  be  correspondingly  contemptible. 

Our  national  fault  has  been  that  of  narrow  view  and  mistaken  economy 
in  all  that  regards  the  capital  city.  We  have  only  been  able  to  plan  for 
the  immediate  needs  of  the  time  at  which  public  improvements  were 

‘See  letter  of  Hon.  J.  B.  Henderson,  ex-Senator  from  Missouri,  Part  I,  page  4. 


4i 


No.  23. — Design  of  Mr.  Paul  J.  Pelz  (Architect  of  the  Congressional  Library)  for  a new  Executive  Mansion. 


42 


A NEW  WHITE  HOUSE. 


made.  The  first  Capitol,  built  a hundred  years  ago,  was  absurdly  small. 
The  second  one  was  finished  but  twenty-five  years  ago,  and  is  already 
inadequate.  The  White  House,  built  a hundred  years  ago,  was  of  a size 
to  suit  a country  of  5,000,000  people.  In  fact,  it  has  never  taken  long 
not  only  to  prove  the  inadequacy  of  every  public  improvement,  but  to 
demonstrate  equally  how  parsimony  has  not  been  economy. 

The  United  States  buildings  representing  the  various  Departments  of 
the  National  Government  are,  after  all,  very  few.  Why  should  they 
be  surpassed  in  size  and  splendor?  Are  the  American  people  mean 
and  sordid  and  without  taste?  Let  us  not  believe  it.  Let  us  rather 
believe  that  Congress  has  always  been  far  behind  the  people  in  patriotic 
pride  for  the  national  capital.  The  people  of  our  country  have  never 
complained  of  the  cost  or  beauty  of  the  Library  building.  If  it  had 
been  twice  as  large  and  twice  as  beautiful  it  would  have  been  doubly 
appreciated. 

No  park  or  avenue  or  public  building  in  Washington  which  may  suit 
future  national  necessity  is  too  fine  or  too  splendid  to  please  every 
American  citizen.  It  belongs  to  them  all.  To  visit  the  national  capital 
is  the  worthy  ambition  of  every  one  of  them.  They  recognize  that  invest- 
ments based  upon  intelligent  perceptions  are  not  extravagant.' 

Broadness  of  view  in  relation  to  the  glories  of  the  national  capital  was 
refreshingly  exhibited  by  the  governors  of  various  States  lately  assembled 
at  Washington.  They  indorsed  a report  for  centennial  commemoration 
of  the  anniversary  of  the  city  by  some  great  public  improvements,  and 
included  a new  Centennial  avenue  and  something  for  a White  House. 

An  open  boulevard  leading  from  the  Capitol  building  to  the  proposed 
memorial  bridge  may  be  useful  and  attractive,  but  let  the  committee  of 
governors  take  a second  sober  thought  before  they  suggest  placing  build- 
ings where  they  would  cover  a single  inch  of  present  parking,  already 
far  too  limited.  Let  them  change  their  scheme  for  a broad  avenue 
partly  bordered  with  magnificent  public  buildings  on  the  natural  thorough- 
fare and  entrance  street  of  Washington — Pennsylvania  avenue. 

If  Louis  Napoleon,  regardless  of  cost,  could  wipe  out  miles  of  solidly 
built  squares  in  the  center  of  Paris  for  the  glory  of  France  and  the  most 
beautiful  capital  city  of  the  world,  and  to  the  delight  of  every  French- 
man, the  United  States  Government  may  not  hesitate  to  remove  a few 
indifferent  business  buildings  on  the  south  side  of  Pennsylvania  avenue. 
Whatever  may  be  the  reasonable  cost,  it  will  never  be  less  than  at  present. 

If  what  the  governors  want  in  the  way  of  a White  House  suggests 
the  filling  up  of  the  small  open  space  between  the  Treasury  and  the 
State,  War,  and  Navy  Departments  by  the  addition  of  appendages  put  up 
in  the  rear  of  the  old  Executive  building  and  composed  of  the  same  cheap 
material  to  correspond  with  it,  they  do  not  rise  to  the  dignity  of  a new 
White  House  nor  the  needs  of  the  twentieth  century  in  relation  to  it. 


1 Voices  of  the  Pres-s.  Addenda  No.  1. 


A NEW  WHITE  HOUSE.  43 

They  do  not  appreciate  that  the  White  House  is  not  intended  to  accom- 
modate any  President,  his  family,  and  his  clerical  staff  alone,  but  that  it 
must  properly  serve  to  entertain  thousands  and  tens  of  thousands  of 
people  from  all  parts  of  the  world. 

We  respect  and  love  the  old  White  House  for  its  traditions  and  its 
modest  beauty.  Let  it  remain  unchanged  and  unsurrounded  by  append- 
ages forever. 

With  a hill  at  the  head  of  Sixteenth  street  (the  future  Executive 
avenue)  and  Florida  avenue  finer  than  the  hill  on  which  the  Capitol  is 
built,  and  double  its  height;  finer  than  any  of  the  seven  hills  of  Rome; 
located  in  the  center  of  the  city,  in  the  midst  of  its  residence  section; 
accessible  to  all  the  town;  situated  on  the  great  driving  boulevard,  160 


No.  24. — Ground  plan  of  Mr.  Pelz's  design  for  new  White  House. 


feet  wide  and  7 miles  long,  which  leads  most  directly  to  the  National 
Park  and  borders  its  entire  length;  containing  from  50  to  75  acres  of 
land  covered  at  present  with  but  a few  cheap  buildings;  providing  (on 
account  of  height  and  drainage  and  southern  exposure)  the  most  com- 
fortable residence  site  for  both  winter  and  summer  that  the  District  of 
Columbia  affords — with  this  superb  site  at  our  command,  may  we  not 
except  to  the  selection  of  the  back  yard  of  a respected  but  small  old 
building  for  the  future  Executive  Mansion? 

The  building  is  in  form  of  letter  H ; flanked  at  rear  by  hothouses;  at  the  extreme 
the  largest  winter  garden  in  the  world;  the  court  a Japanese  garden. 

View  from  State  dining  room  includes  the  vista  of  the  conservatory  and  interior 
Japanese  garden. 

Two  entrances  on  the  level,  one  from  Sixteenth  street  and  the  other  from  Four- 


44 


NEW  WHITE  HOUSE  ON  THE  HILL. 


teentli  street;  places  to  bank  hundreds  of  carriages,  reached  without  noise  by 
electric  figures  on  a screen. 

It  would  seem  wise  at  the  beginning  of  the  new  century  to  perfect 
some  general  plan  for  the  future  best  interests  of  the  national  capital. 
Future  generations  would  probably  be  very  glad  to  help  pay  for  these 
improvements  made  on  a grand  scale.  Several  squares  now  containing 
full-grown  trees,  situated  in  various  parts  of  the  city,  should  be  promptly 
secured  for  public  parks.  The  charming  wooded  hillside  lying  between 
Twelfth  and  Fourteenth  streets  on  Florida  avenue  should  be  secured  for 
parking.  These  are  but  a few  suggestions  for  what  should  be  an  ex- 
tended and  comprehensive  plan  for  our  national  capital  of  the  twentieth 
century. 

Mary  F.  Henderson. 

The  conception  and  development  are  noble  inspirations.  When  mate- 
rialized they  will,  like  the  Capitol  and  the  Library,  be  a perpetual  joy  to 
the  nation  and  further  stimulus  to  its  progress  in  refinement. 

The  writer  presumes,  however,  to  magnify  the  design  of  Mr.  Pelz  by 
increased  grandeur  of  its  site.  Mrs.  Henderson  locates  the  mansions 
on  the  hilltop  at  the  easterly  side  of  Sixteenth  street.  Sixteenth 
street  bisects  Washington  east  and  west.  It  is  a noble  avenue,  direct 
from  the  old  White  House  across  Jackson  Square.  It  should  be 
the  central  connecting  boulevard  of  the  system  above  proposed,  dividing 
the  length  of  its  circuit.  Its  rise  to  ioo  feet  gives  a commanding  emi- 
nence. The  portal  of  the  new  White  House  should  face  in  a direct  line 
the  grand  porch  of  the  old  one. 

But  Sixteenth  street  must  continue  a highway.  It  is  cut  through  the 
hill  into  a chasm.  Obstacles  often  reveal  compensating  advantages. 

9 

Span  the  roadway  by  a grandiose  Roman  arch.  Superimpose  thereon  a 
central  entrance  hall  to  the  new  White  House.  From  it  extend  open 
colonnades  of  noble  proportions  right  and  left  to  the  mansions.  Then 
the  entire  structure  will  center  from  Sixteenth  street  and  the  old  White 
House. 

Then  the  colonnades  and  facades  will  reveal  grandly  against  the  sky ; 
rising  in  dignity  at  the  north,  like  the  Capitol  on  the  east,  and  as  should 
appear  the  Partlienonic  Temples  and  National  Galleries  on  the  hillcrest 
at  the  west. 

This  effect  may  be  enhanced,  if  the  land  will  admit,  by  increasing  the 
range  of  the  colonnade,  and  also  the  distance  of  the  two  buildings  from  the 
roadway. 

The  longer  colonnade  would  throw  the  mansions  farther  from  the 
roadway.  Noise  from  the  travel  may  be  suggested,  but  the  illustration 
places  the  buildings  as  far  from  the  roadway  as  the  old  White  House  is 
from  Pennsylvania  avenue. 

It  should  l>e  recognized  that  the  noise  of  travel  has  greatly  subsided  in 
late  years.  Rails  confine  in  rigid  lines  the  preponderance  of  travel  and 


No.  25.— MR.  PELZ’S  DESIGN  EXPANDED  AND  CENTERED  ABOVE  EXECUTIVE  AVENUE. 


45 


46 


FOURTH  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


carry  it  quietly.  Bicycles  and  automobiles  with  rubber  tires  are  replac- 
ing the  click  of  horses’  feet.  Soon  in  cities  freight  automobiles  will 
dispense  with  express  wagons. 

Another  requirement  of  the  centering  of  the  White  House  at  Sixteenth 
street  is  that  sufficient  land  may  be  obtained  for  a suitable  estate. 

The  present  Executive  grounds,  with  the  White  Lot,  measure  1,750 
by  2,400  feet,  or  95  acres.  With  the  appurtenances  proposed,  additional 
to  two  great  mansions,  the  area  of  land  should  be  not  less  than  125 
to  150  acres. 

Standing  at  the  head  of  Sixteenth  street,  it  is  apparent  that  the  crest 
of  the  ridge  runs  both  east  and  west  from  Sixteenth  street.  Fifty  to  75 
acres  on  each  side  only  will  supply  the  area  required  and  demanded. 

The  colonnade  should  be  500  feet  in  length  between  the  mansions. 
Then  the  fa?ade  on  the  hilltop  will  be  imposing.  The  old  White  House 
measures  170  by  86  feet,  adding  50  per  cent — say  125  feet  front  by  250  feet 
deep.  With  the  colonnade  the  range  would  be  750  feet.  The  Capitol  is 
75 1 by  350  feet  deep  (262,500  square  feet),  which  gives  153,112  square 
feet  of  floor. 

The  above  dimensions,  at  the  same  calculations,  would  give  floor  area 
for  lx)th  the  State  Mansion  and  the  President’s  Mansion  of  62,500  square 
feet,  or  40  per  cent  of  the  Capitol. 

Again,  standing  on  the  edge  of  the  bluff  at  Sixteenth  street,  if  the 
sight  is  thrown  forward  to  the  center  of  the  street  and  then  turned 
northward  and  southward,  imagination  reveals  the  splendid  vista,  from 
the  great  entrance  hall  at  the  center  of  the  colonnade,  of  the  future 
Executive  avenue,  teeming  with  elegant  life,  between  luxurious  resi- 
dences, for  1 yi  miles  to  the  old  White  House. 

While  the  height  will  not  equal  that  of  the  Parthenon  (200  feet),  the 
effect  of  the  long  colonnade  and  the  vastly  greater  constructions  will  be 
as  powerful  in  domination  as  the  Parthenon  and  the  Temple  of  Jove  on 
the  Capitol  ine  of  Rome. 


Fourth  Aggrandizement. 

A memorial  bridge. 

A suggestion  also  from  the  prospectus  of  1891  of  “a  magnificent 
entrance  to  the  proposed  ornamental  bridge  across  to  Arlington.”  The 
via  sacra  of  the  National  Galleries  should  connect  therewith  by  the  plaza 
proposed.  (See  plan,  p.  1 17. ) The  bridge  is  to  lie  ornamental  and 
memorial ; i.  e.,  to  combine,  probably,  architectural  grandeur  and  sculp- 
tural commemoration,  by  one  or  more  triumphal  arches  spanning  the 
roadway  and  bases  for  sculpture  on  pierheads  at  the  sides. 

Those  who  have  crossed  the  Tiber  to  the  Castle  of  St.  Angelo,  and  the 


A TRIPLE  BRIDGE. 


47 


Seine  from  the  Tuileries,  will  remember  most  vividly  the  din  and  rush 
of  travel  with  more  vehemence  than  the  waters  beneath.  They  will 
recall  slight  impression  from  the  marble  gods  and  heroes  on  the  parapets 
who  were  to  claim  reverence  or  admiration.  The  bridges  utilized  for 
transport  offer  no  chance  for  sentimental  appreciation  of  the  marred  and 
grimed  monuments  on  either  hand.  Hence  the  query,  Is  not  a bridge 
of  general  traffic,  with  its  inevitable  clatter  and  untidiness,  its  pell  mell 
of  beings  and  things  moving  and  movable,  impossible  for  an  atmosphere 
congruous  with  commemorative  art? 

A public  bridge  per  se  may  nobly  commemorate  historical  incidents  by 
dedicatory  inscriptions  thereon,  but  it  can  not  be  an  inviting  trvsting 
place  for  the  muses. 

Yet  the  memorial  bridge  must  be  on  the  line  of  the  imagined  pictur- 
esque boulevard.  What  contrariety!  Leaving  the  groves  and  porticoes, 
fountains  and  flowers  of  the  park  to  plunge  upon  the  rattling  and 
rumbling  of  moving  iron  and  stone,  lime  and  lumber,  bricks,  hay,  ferti- 
lizers, farm  products,  draymen,  cattle,  poultry,  etc.,  intermingled  with 
the  gayety  of  a wedding  parade  or  the  solemnity  of  a funeral  cortege! 

What  can  save  this  jar  and  break  in  the  delectable  boulevard  drive 
around  the  capital  ? 

Another  inspiration  from  Roman  grandeur  in  utility  solves  the 
problem.  (See  Fig.  26).  Its  palatial  stateliness,  its  classic  symmetry 
and  dignity,  suggest  an  imperial  palace  on  the  Palatine.  Colonnades 
of  the  Campus  Martius  bordering  the  Tiber  are  flung  across  the  river 
in  disdain  of  its  ‘ ‘ angry  floods.  ’ ’ 

Observe  the  proportion  of  the  arch  that  rises  above  the  equestrian 
statue  of  an  emperor.  There  are  compartments  that  may  be  open 
canopies  or  closed  alcoves,  with  seats  for  comfortable  outlook  over, 
above,  and  below  the  flowing  river.  Rising  slightly  from  its  grade,  the 
road  passes  into  a vista  of  enchanting  fascination.  Sun  rays  barred  from 
a zenith  force  steal  aslant  through  columns  of  exact  proportions,  ranged 
as  peristyles  and  again  in  groups  supporting  pediments. 

It  is  an  ornamental,  commemorative,  picturesque  pavilion  offering  pan- 
els and  friezes  for  honorary  inscriptions;  a ceiling  for  rich  effects  of  color; 
a delicious  promenade,  with  outlooks  at  an  elevation  north  and  south, 
open  to  breezes  in  heat,  defensible  against  the  north  winds  in  cold;  the 
air  of  a grotto  in  summer,  and  the  sunny  warmth  of  a solarium  in  winter. 

It  is  a bridge,  yet  exempt  from  all  noise,  all  unwelcome  sights,  all 
incongruities  with  its  artistic  and  aesthetic  charms.  How  are  such  elimi- 
nation and  exclusiveness  obtained?  Answer:  By  a triple  bridge  dividing 
its  width  into  three  sections.  The  central,  a covered  pavilion,  is  carried 
at  an  elevation,  say,  15  feet  above  two  open  roadways  on  either  side 
below.  The  rise  to  and  descent  from  grade  are  within  the  bridge. 

It  forcibly  excludes  all  rude,  heavy  traffic  and  hurried  travel  from  the 
pavilion,  leaving  unalloyed  enjoyment  continuous  and  heightened  in 
surprise  from  charms  of  the  boulevard. 


No.  26.  A magnificent  ideal  of  Roman  grandeur  and  an  inspiration  ior  modern  genius. 


/ jv  71 

/•"  1 

(■"3  3M 

1 | t » 

Jk  <j  f w 

S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  3 4 


49 


Franklin  Webster  Smith,  Dess.  A Triple  Pavilion  Bridge.  Harry  Dodge  Jenkins,  Pinxt. 

No.  27, — It  is  an  offhand  sketch  made  by  the  artist  in  a day — not  in  any  detail  on  scale.  The  side  elevation  merely  suggests  the  arched  colonnade  of  Fig.  26,  which  will  be  raised  in  the  center 

to  grander  height,  covering  the  bascule  towers  of  the  drawbridge.  Imagination  must  apply  to  it  the  columnar  enrichment  of  Fig.  26. 


50 


THE  TRIPLE  BRIDGE. 


With  application  of  discoveries  of  the  marvelous  tensile  strength  of  con- 
crete reinforced  with  iron,  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  the  cheapness,  dura- 
bility, and  safety  of  the  structure  beyond  any  use  of  natural  stones  merely 
placed  in  contact  with  joints  of  mortar.  Concrete  bridges,  earliest  in 
France,  are  now  frequent  in  the  American  Western  States;  even  more 
graceful  in  lines,  because  less  massive,  than  arched  bridges  of  hewn  stone.' 

The  annexed  cut  illustrates  the  practice.  It  is  from  “Transactions  of 
the  Technical  Society  of  the  Pacific  Coast,”  read  January,  1888.  The 
plate  shows  a lintel  from  a building  in  San  Francisco  over  store  fronts, 


ABC 
No.  28.— Section  of  the  triple  bridge. 

B.  The  pavilion.  A and  C.  Side  bridges  for  common  travel. 

15  feet  clear  span  and  carrying  three  stories  of  brick  walls  and  wood 
floors,  22  inches  wide,  2 feet  10  inches  high  (with  belt  course  molded 
on),  and  ten  i-inch  rods  placed  near  the  bottom. 

The  lintels  extend  along  both  fronts  of  the  building.  Over  the  sup- 
porting piers  (corresponding  to  bridge  piers)  are  placed  three  i-inch  rods 
near  the  top,  thus  giving  the  effect  of  a continuous  girder,  supplying  an 
essential  element  of  security  against  strain  in  bridge  construction. 

A thorough  demonstration  of  the  marvelous  crushing  and  tensile 
strength  of  concrete  reinforced  by  iron  was  first  made  by  Mr.  W.  E. 
Ward,2  of  Port  Chester,  N.  Y. , 1871-72,  and  reported  in  the  Transac- 
tions of  the  American  Society  of  Engineers.  See  also  Part  II,  page  122. 

1 Addenda — Bridges  of  concrete,  a Lately  deceased. 


CONCRETE  CONSTRUCTION. 


51 


It  is  a gratirying  coincidence  to  the  writer  that  his  advocacy  of  this 
material  for  constructions  herein  proposed  is  indorsed  by  publication  in 


No.  29. — Concrete  construction  reenforced  with  iron. 


the  Washington  Star,  simultaneously  with  this  writing  (April  20,  1900), 
of  a permit  in  Washington  by  the  Commissioners,  headed  as  follows : 

Novel  building  material. 

Concrete  to  form  walls  of  seven-story  structure. 

Combination  which  is  growing  in  favor. 

Twisted  iron  rods  will  be  utilized  in  connection  with  the  concrete  walls. 


52 


CONCRETE  CONSTRUCTION. 


Captain  Gaillard,  one  of  the  assistants  to  the  Engineer  Commissioner, 
reported  that  he  had  personally  inspected  two  large  buildings  of  this 
type  of  construction,  one  being  a factory  in  Bayonne,  N.  J.,  and  the 
other  a church  in  Brooklyn.  He  was  favorably  impressed  with  both 
structures,  and  the  combination  of  iron  and  concrete,  he  added,  is  grow- 
ing in  favor. 

In  Paris  a new  building,  corner  of  Rue  Mondoni  and  Rue  Mont 
Tliabor,  of  iron  and  Roman  cement,  is  pronounced  fireproof. 

The  walls  of  Villa  Zorayda 1 are  held  by  railroad  bars  embedded  in  con- 
crete the  entire  length  of  the  facade  (65  feet). 


No  30. — Capital  from  the  Erectheum  in  concrete. 


The  superiority  of  the  material  above  any  natural  stone  being  estab- 
lished, the  most  important  economical  consideration  is  yet  to  be  named. 
A principal  element  in  the  first  cost  of  concrete  construction  is  that  of 
the  molds.  When  they  are  supplied  concrete  can  be  placed  at  less  cost 
per  cubic  foot  than  ordinary  brickwork;  but  the  molds  can  be  used 
over  and  over  again. 

That  for  the  Roman  Doric  shafts  in  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients  and  the 
Pompeia  (see  Part  I)  at  Saratoga  was  previously  used  in  a Pompeian 
hall  in  the  Hotel  Granada  in  St.  Augustine.  As  stated  in  Part  II  on 
concrete  construction,  those  imperishable  shafts  cost  not  over  $20  each, 
while  cut  stone  would  have  cost  $300  each. 


'See  “Concrete  construction,”  Part  II. 


THE  PAVILION  BRIDGE. 


53 


The  columnar  work  of  the  Pavilion  Bridge  would  be  in  exact  classical 
proportions.  The  molds  can  then  be  used  repeatedly  for  columns  else- 
where, for  porticoes,  for  screen  work  of  the  railroad  crossing  the  Mall, 
duplicating  lightly  the  Pavilion,  as  will  be  hereinafter  proposed. 

Fig.  30  illustrates  the  sharpness  of  a concrete  capital  in  one  of  the 
purest  Greek  models  left  for  modern  imitation. 

This  use  of  concrete,  multiplying  for  public  enjoyment  forms  of  beauty, 
has  for  twenty  years  abounded  in  European  capitals,  especially  in  France 
and  Germany.  Its  soft  gray  color  is  also  a luxury,  combining  the 
solidity  of  stone  with  its  delicate  tone  and  shadows. 

In  imagination  we  have  constructed  an  architectural  aggrandizement. 
Opportunely  the  design  supplies  two  of  the  noblest  possible  motifs  for  a 
commemorative  purpose — Roman  arches  of  most  stately  proportions. 
Ornament  will  be  in  natural  combination  with  utility,  an  inspiration  to 
the  worthiest  efforts  of  genius:  The  Lincoln  Arch,  on  the  river  bank, 
facing  the  capitol  to  which  the  martyr  President  came  for  its  rescue. 
The  Grant  Arch,  011  the  Virginia  side,  facing  the  region  in  which  he 
fought  to  return  stars  of  the  American  Union  to  the  peaceful  orbit  from 
which  they  had  thrust  themselves  in  violence.  Let  these  exhibit  the 
utmost  possible  majesty  and  beauty  from  examples  of  ancient  art  and 
the  attainments  of  modern  skill. 

Since  the  above  was  written  the  architectural  criticism  of  the  accepted 
bridge  design  by  Mr.  George  Keller,  of  Hartford,  has  been  published. 
That  he  is  an  authority  is  evident  from  a reply  in  defense  in  which 
mention  is  made  of  an  arch  by  Mr.  Keller  in  Hartford. 

The  writer  knows  nothing  of  engineering  as  a science,  but  he  is 
impressed  with  the  good  sense  of  the  following  extracts: 

The  memorial  arches  can  only  be  seen  from  the  front  as  you  approach  the  center 
of  the  bridge,  after  you  have  walked  nearly  a third  of  a mile  across  the  bridge  in 
order  to  get  a good  view.  If  you  stop  in  front  of  the  arches  to  study  the  memorial, 
it  is  at  the  risk  of  being  jostled  by  the  passing  crowd  on  the  narrow  sidewalk  Or  run 
over  by  vehicles,  trolley  cars,  automobiles,  etc.,  if  you  step  into  the  roadway,  so 
that  you  are  not  in  just  the  proper  frame  of  mind  to  appreciate  the  beauties  of 
architecture  while  looking  out  for  your  own  safety. 

If  Washington  is  bent  on  having  a memorial  arch  embodied  in  the  design  of  the 
bridge,  why  not  do  as  the  Romans  did,  and  roll  the  two  insignificant  arches  into 
one  noble  one,  and  place  it  at  the  approach  to  the  bridge  on  the  Washington  side,  in 
the  center  of  a wide  plaza  or  esplanade,  so  that  there  would  be  verge  and  scope 
enough  to  fairly  view  its  towering  dignity?  But  why  should  a great  thoroughfare, 
as  this  is  destined  in  time  to  become,  be  encumbered  with  a memorial  arch?  Two 
great  piers  decorated  with  sculpture  mark  the  entrance  to  the  Alexander  III  Bridge 
across  the  Seine  at  Paris,  which  is  intended  to  commemorate  the  Russian  alliance. 

Now,  the  pavilion  design  proposed  nobly  meets  the  examples  of  the 
ancient  Romans  and  the  modern  French.  Two  arches  can  be  upon  any 
scale  of  grandeur  without  expense  of  foundations  in  a river,  being  on 
terra  firma. 

Again,  if  the  writer  were  an  engineer  he  would  seize  upon  the  open 


54 


FIFTH  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


columnar  form  of  the  pavilion  as  a screen  for  the  apparatus  of  the  draw. 
Any  amount  of  bearing  strength  can  be  put  upon  a concrete  column, 
perhaps  containing  a tube  within  filled  with  concrete,  as  are  the  columns 
in  the  arcade  of  Villa  Zorayda.  This  tower  section,  raised  in  elevation 
if  needed,  would  add  to  the  grandiose  effect  in  enrichment  of  the  con- 
tinuous horizontal  cornice.  Again  comes  to  mind  the  cheapness  of  the 
columns  if  cast  in  dnfms,  and  the  use  of  the  molds  for  columns, 
arcades,  and  porticoes  all  through  Washington  and  ranging  its  sur- 
rounding hilltops  with  colonnades. 

The  above  was  written  in  ignorance  of  decision  upon  the  competition  for 
designs.  That  accepted  is  a good  base  for  aggrandizement . See  further 
consideration  of  the  subject  with  illustrations  in  Addenda. 


Fifth  Aggrandizement. 

A Centennial  avenue  as  a boulevard. 

The  prospectus  of  1891  concluded  with  the  plan  (see  Fig.  10)  for  a 
National  avenue  from  the  Capitol  Dome  to  the  Parthenon  (proposed) 
on  Observatory  Hill. 

Lately  Mr.  Cobb  suggested  that  the  avenue  that  has  on  that  plan  now 
taken  the  name  of  Centennial,  as  one  of  the  enterprises  recommended  by 
the  committeeon  the  1900  commemoration,  should  run  farther  southward 
through  the  Mall  to  the  Memorial  Bridge,  as  land  could  be  had  cheaply  by 
extra  filling  along  B street  on  the  Potomac  flats. 

The  bill  reported  to  Congress  for  a new  city  hail  provides  for  a site  on 
the  south  of  Pennsylvania  avenue.  It  has  been  favorably  regarded,  and 
points  to  the  condemnation  of  all  land  between  it  and  the  Mall,  as  above 
illustrated.  Thus  the  course  is  clear  for  the  Centennial  avenue,  strictly  as 
an  ornamental  bouleiard , not  as  a street  to  be  walled  with  buildings. 

Its  creation  is  herewith  most  earnestly  advocated  in  fulfillment  of  the 
recommendation  of  the  committee  to  the  President  upon  new,  attractive, 
and  it  is  believed  in  all  regards  advantageous  considerations. 

First.  As  part  of  a chain  of  continuous  boulevards  encircling  Washing- 
ton with  picturesque  promenades,  connecting  a circuit  of  outlying  parks, 
precisely  after  the  system  of  the  Metropolitan  Park  Commission  of  Massa- 
chusetts, which  is  now  nearing  completion,  to  the  unanimous  satisfaction 
of  the  people,  having  been  accomplished  during  a continuous  tenure  of 
authority  for  eight  years  by  an  expenditure  of  about  $10,000,000. 

Details  of  this  history  will  be  quoted  later  in  argument  for  the  conclu- 
sions of  these  papers,  that  similar  legislation  and  administration  are  indis- 
pensable for  a systematic  and  complete  aggrandizement  of  Washington. 

The  Mall  is  in  splendid  preparation  for  its  commencement  before 


THE  FIRST  SUGGESTION  OF  CENTENNIAL  AVENUE. 


55 


No.  31. — Centennial  nvenue,  it  is  proposed,  shall,  in  some  sections  at  the  west  in  approach  to  the  bridge,  be  200  feet  wide,  divided  according  to  ground  plan,  big.  35,  into  two  tree-lined 
walks,  with  roadways  60  feet  wide  on  the  outside;  next  toward  the  center,  two  bridle  paths  25  feet  wide;  in  the  center,  porticoes  30  feet  wide,  b'or  the  improved  plan  upon  later 
suggestions  see  b ig.  m,  showing  the  avenue  upon  lines  meandering  through  the  park. 


^6 


No.  32. — Executive  avenue — Site  for  new  White  House — Outer  boulevards. 


I CHS!  I®  US  ISf 

ns®  cum  | 


oo*« 


°i  [MJ  $ HI 


- 


57 


58 


CENTENNIAL  AVENUE. 


the  Capitol  at  the  Botanic  Garden.  It  should  not  lie  confined  to  rigid 
parallel  lines,  but  be  broken  at  intervals  by  widcnings,  with  sites  for  cen- 
tral gardens,  statues,  pavilions,  or  plots  of  foliage  or  trees,  relieving  it  from 
rigidity,  yet  clearing  an  unbroken  vista  for  the  eye  to  its  grand  termini — 
the  Dome  of  the  Capitol  and  the  pediment  of  the  Memorial  Parthenon. 

Thus  all  desired  verdure  would  l>e  preserved  with  enhanced  effect  in 
adornment  of  architectural  elegance. 

Since  the  above  outline  sketch  of  the  boulevard  through  the  Mall  was 
sent  to  press,  the  plan  of  Colonel  Bingham  has  been  made  public.  Serious 
objections  to  it  are: 

First.  Appropriation  of  a large  portion  of  Potomac  Park  to  a military 
parade  ground.  This  would  mean  a large,  hard,  graveled  surface,  or, 
if  grassed,  much  broken  and  injured,  treeless,  for  only  an  occasional  use. 

The  parade  ground  should  be  much  larger  and  be  located  across  the 
memorial  bridge  in  Virginia,  where  land  could  be  had  at  less  cost  than 
on  the  city  side. 

Later  constructions  may  be  added  of  sections  of  a circus  maximus  (see 
Fig.  7)  that,  with  the  increase  of  population,  will  be  extended  until  the 
entirety  of  Fig.  7 will  be  an  accomplished  fact,  to  receive  100,000  or 
200,000  auditors  for  parades  or  military  exercises  en  masse.  I11  concrete 
reenforced  by  steel  the  structure  could  be  imperishable,  quickly  dried  from 
rains,  never  to  need  repair,  and  inexpensive  proportionately  to  the  occa- 
sional makeshift  stagings  of  wood. 

Second.  The  block  between  K and  B streets  should  never  l>e  cut  diag- 
onally  by  New  York  and  Virginia  avenues.  A large  share  of  the  land  is 
wasted  for  advantageous  use  by  the  triangular  lots  left  on  both  sides 
running  to  a point,  useless  for  large  building,  as  are  those  now  on  the 
south  side  of  Pennsylvania  avenue.  (See  plans,  pages  103-1 17,  for  good 
use  of  the  land.) 

The  proposition  for  a Centennial  avenue  has  been  somewhat  discounte- 
nanced for  reasons  as  follows: 

Against  it  as  “ taking  23  acres  out  of  our  largest  city  park.  That  is 
what  an  avenue  200  feet  wide  by  a mile  means.” 

There  is  a roadway  30  feet  wide  through  the  Mall  from  Third  street  to 
the  river,  ’ ’ claimed  to  be  sufficient. 

The  avenue  is  assumed  ‘‘to  run  straight  from  the  Capitol  to  the  bridge, 
dividing  the  beautiful  reservation  in  twain.” 

The  advocacy  of  the  avenue  herein  is  most  urgently  in  its  connection 
with  a picturesque,  shaded,  ornamented,  meandering,  environing  bou- 
levard of  the  capital,  such  as  now  sweeps  around  Boston  in  unbroken 
beauty.  It  is  to  be  exclusively  a pleasure  drive,  unmarred  by  din  of 
traffic,  railroad  travel,  shop  hunting,  drayage,  etc. 

Imagine  an  afternoon’s  turnout  of  the  fine  liveries  of  the  city  turned 
from  such  loveliness  and  quiet  for  a mile  across  Pennsylvania  avenue. 

Pennsylvania  avenue  will  remain  a business  thoroughfare.  Condem- 


REPORT  MASSACHUSETTS  METROPOUTIAN  PARK  COMMISSION.  59 

nation  of  the  entire  south  side  and  the  easterly  end  to  Four-and-a-half 
street  will  reduce  its  business  frontage  more  than  one-half,  greatly 
increasing  the  value  of  the  remainder. 

As  an  occasional  route  of  a procession  it  would  l>e  used  at  discretion. 

Centennial  avenue,  if  treated  as  it  should  l)e,  would  take  nothing  from 
the  area  of  the  park,  nothing  from  its  shade  and  beauty,  but  add  greatly 
to  both.  It  can  follow  present  road  lines  in  part. 

It  should  not  be  straight,  but  varied  in  its  lines  to  curves  to  inclosed 
squares,  relieved  by  fountains,  Pompeian  hemicycles  as  resting  places, 
porticoes  with  elevated  esplanades  (see  Fig.  34) , etc. . With  these  features 
it  would  be  the  most  picturesque  section  of  the  Ringstrasse  of  Washing- 
ton, while  its  course  above  the  hills  on  the  north  and  the  south  would 
a stimulating  contrast  in  panoramic  splendor. 

The  arguments  annexed  from  the  Report  of  the  Massachusetts  Metro- 
politan Park  Commission  for  the  condemnation  of  lands  around  Boston 
for  boulevards,  may  be  applied  almost  exactly  to  Washington: 

Our  national  capital  is  one  of  the  best  instances  of  a great  city  planned 
with  a view  to  its  growth  into  what  it  has  now  become,  and  it  is  conse- 
quently easier  to  provide  it  with  the  equipment  necessary  for  a modern 
municipality  than  almost  any  other  center  of  population. 

Nothing  appears  to  be  better  settled  than  the  fact  that  a population 
living  under  urban  conditions,  amidst  the  incessant  activity  and  the 
excitement  incident  to  city  life,  must,  for  the  maintenance  of  its  health 
and  the  perpetuation  of  desirable  types  of  humanity,  be  afforded  frequent 
opportunities  for  the  relaxation  of  the  strain  which  these  conditions  of 
life  impose ; and  these  opportunities  are  best  found  in  the  means  of 
escape  into  more  natural  and  agreeable  surroundings. 

Thereto  must  be  added  the  requirements  of  the  growing  generations 
in  the  shape  of  ample  playground  facilities,  situated  within  convenient 
distances  of  their  homes,  where  sport  and  exercise  in  the  open  air  may 
be  obtained,  developing  the  l>ody  and  quickening  the  senses,  while 
removing  children  from  other  modes  of  amusement  most  detrimental 
physically  and  morally.  Without  resources  of  this  kind  the  suburban 
movement  of  population,  which  has  been  hailed  as  presenting  a com- 
plete solution  to  the  tenement-house  and  other  crying  evils  common  to 
a dense  population,  would  by  no  means  prove  the  blessing  anticipated. 
In  fact,  it  would  furnish  only  a very  temporary  benefit. 

Another  aspect  of  the  problem  is  one  which  is  more  strictly  sanitative 
in  character,  and  is  furnished  by  the  present  conditions  of  the  streams 
and  other  water  spaces,  to  prevent  the  pollution  of  which  prompt  atten- 
tion and  treatment  are  demanded.  It  would  seem  that  the  simplest, 
cheapest,  and  most  effective  method  of  dealing  with  this  problem,  and 
therefore  the  most  practical,  is  furnished  by  combining  therewith  the 
recreative  purposes  which  a stream  and  its  shores  can  usually  be  made  to 
serve  in  most  abundant  measure. 


60  REPORT  MASSACHUSETTS  METROPOLITAN  PARK  COMMISSION. 

One  of  the  greatest  obstacles,  and  tlie  one  perhaps  the  most  difficult 
to  be  overcome,  in  the  way  of  realizing,  under  the  initiative  of  the  respec- 
tive communities,  the  establishment  of  the  desired  open  spaces  throughout 
the  district,  is  the  fact  that  in  most  cases  their  resources  are  strained  to 
the  utmost  extent  to  meet  the  demands  imposed  by  their  rapid  increase 
in  population. 

The  average  shortsightedness  is  too  often  such  that  people  do  not 
consider  that  the  charms  that  make  many  of  our  suburbs  the  pleasant 
dwelling  places  that  they  now  are — namely,  the  various  rural  attractions 
existing  in  their  midst  or  in  their  near  neighborhoods — must  for  the  most 
part  certainly  disappear  as  with  the  growth  of  population  the  character 
of  these  localities  becomes  more  and  more  urban.  They  are,  however, 
liable  some  day  to  awake  suddenly  to  the  unpleasant  consciousness  that 
their  charm  has  vanished. 

Local  breathing  spaces  and  the  existence  of  pleasant  features  of  natu- 
ral scenery  in  the  neighborhood  are  really  as  essential  to  the  moral  and 
physical  health  of  a community  as  the  more  absolutely  utilitarian 
improvements  that  are  usually  given  the  precedence. 

Boston  has  until  very  lately  grown  in  a most  accidental  and  hap- 
hazard way.  It  has  cost  the  city  more  to  undo  the  mistakes  perpetrated 
through  the  shortsightedness  of  former  generations  than  it  has  to  pro- 
vide for  its  legitimate  growth.  It  is  therefore  time  for  it  to  grow 
intelligently  and  to  proceed  along  carefully  considered  lines  of  develop- 
ment. These  lines  have  already  been  laid  down  or  are  now  being  laid 
down  in  several  important  directions,  and  their  extension  in  others  is 
thereby  made  all  the  more  desirable. 

If  these  sites  are  not  now  secured,  their  destruction  at  no  remote  day 
is  sure.  Even  though  in  some  of  these  instances  the  land  might  remain 
comparatively  unoccupied  for  years  to  come,  their  present  attractive 
character  would  be  certain  to  disappear.  Observations  made  4n  all 
parts  of  the  metropolitan  district  lead  to  these  conclusions.  The  land 
would  in  many  cases,  perhaps,  remain  cheap.  But  it  should  be  remem- 
bered that  cheap  lands,  when  of  a picturesque  character,  are  costly  to 
develop  in  the  proper  manner  for  residence  purposes.  Yet  their  very 
cheapness  makes  them  a continuous  temptation  for  improper  and  unde- 
sirable occupation,  so  that  when  at  last  thetime'came  imperatively  requir- 
ing something  to  be  done  for  meeting  the  needs  of  the  great  population, 
the  sites  would  nearly,  if  not  quite,  have  lost  all  of  their  present  attract- 
iveness. While  the}’  might  remain  cheap,  they  would  certainly  have 
become  nasty.  That  such  a fate  would  be  sure  to  overtake  them  is 
predicated  by  the  experiences  of  Boston  in  the  creation  of  some  of  the 
most  essential  features  of  its  park  system,  the  cost  of  which,  through 
neglect  to  take  up  the  problem  in  time,  has  been  enormously  increased. 

From  estimates  upon  the  averages  of  assessed  valuations,  it  is  reason- 


REPORT  MASSACHUSETTS  METROPOLITAN  PARK  COMMISSION.  6 1 

able  to  conclude  that  an  expenditure  of  $i, 000,000,  together  with  what 
might  be  looked  for  from  private  beneficence,  will  secure  the  reservation 
of  the  most  important  of  the  sites  that  have  been  considered,  amounting 
in  the  aggregate  to  several  thousand  acres. 

This  expenditure  is  trivial  in  comparison  with  the  cost  of  constructing 
a single  fort  or  mortar  battery  on  the  shores  of  the  bay,  or  a ship  of  war, 
or  even  a new  court-house  or  city  hall,  while  the  benefits  received  are 
incomparable  in  comparison. 

Another  class  of  reservations  than  those  required  more  strictly  for 
recreative  purposes  is  comprised  in  those  connected  with  questions  of 
health  and  drainage.  These  are  to  lie  regarded  as  perhaps  first  in 
pressing  importance,  but  they  involve  problems  of  a more  extended  and 
intricate  nature. 

A third  class  of  public  open  spaces  are  those  that  mainly  serve  to 
augment  and  protect  a water  supply.  It  is  often  essential  that  a consid- 
erable tract  of  land  should  be  taken  for  the  purpose  of  guarding  a water 
supply  against  pollution.  The  conditions  under  which  such  a tract  must 
be  maintained  to  serve  best  its  purpose — free  from  human  occupancy 
and  kept  in  as  natural  a condition  as  possible,  for  the  most  part  covered 
with  a varied  forest  growth,  and  including  storage  basins  of  a lake-like 
character — are  such  as  often  to  adapt  the  territory  also  to  purposes  of 
recreation.  Of  such  a type  is  a large  proportion  of  the  Lynn  woods, 
the  beautiful  territory  of  more  than  2,000  acres  reserved  for  public 
purposes  by  the  joint  action  of  the  park  and  water  boards  of  that  city. 

In  considering  the  stake  which  Boston  itself  has  in  the  establishment 
of  such  a metropolitan  park  system,  notwithstanding  so  much  has  been 
done  within  its  own  limits,  the  same  factor  of  a community  of  interests 
appears.  The  city  of  New  York  a few  years  ago  acquired  one  of  its 
largest  and  finest  park  sites  outside  of  its  own  limits,  on  the  shore  of 
Long  Island  Sound,  in  the  town  of  Pelham,  in  Westchester  County. 
London  lias  gone  far  beyond  its  bounds  in  establishing  some  of  its  recent 
parks,  and  the  great  reservation  of  Epping  Forest  was  restored  to  public 
use  through  the  exertions  of  the  corporation  of  the  city  of  London. 
Burnham  Beeches,  a favorite  park  of  the  people  of  the  British  metropolis, 
also  established  by  the  same  corporation,  lies  much  farther  to  the  west- 
ward of  London’s  center  of  population  than  Framingham  does  from 
Boston. 

The  number  of  persons  drawn  to  Boston  by  its  general  advantages  in 
the  way  of  a beautiful  and  well  cared  for  modern  capital — its  educational 
facilities,  its  music,  its  museums,  its  artistic  character,  and  its  beautiful 
suburban  and  rural  surroundings — is  enormous.  The  numbers  increase 
extensively  year  by  year,  and  this  forms  one  of  the  chief  elements  in  a 
city’s  growth  in  desirable  population  and  in  its  marvelously  augment- 
ing prosperity. 


62  REPORT  MASSACHUSETTS  METROPOLITAN  PARK  COMMISSION. 

It  is  therefore  essential  that  these  elements  of  attractiveness  should  be 
maintained  and  enhanced,  and  their  permanence  assured.  Many  of 
these  picturesque  and  beautiful  sites  in  the  surrounding  country  form 
features  by  no  means  slight  among  these  elements  of  attractiveness.  Hence 
it  seems  important  that  these  various  tracts  should  lie  immediately 
acquired,  for  the  reason  that  all  of  them  can  now  be  secured  at  com- 
paratively small  cost,  and  all  would  lie  for  the  common  benefit  of  the 
metropolitan  district. 

The  interests  of  a city  or  town  in  this  respect  can  therefore  not  be 
centered  upon  any  particular  locality  within  its  own  limits,  except  from 
the  one  sordid  point  of  view  of  improving  the  assessable  value  of  real 
estate.  And  even  here  this  limitation  can  not  be  strictly  made,  for  the 
desirability  of  a community  as  a place  of  residence,  and  therefore  the 
value  of  real  property  there,  is  often  determined,  to  a considerable  extent, 
by  the  landscape  features  lying  outside  of  its  own  limits. 

For  instance,  the  town  of  Brookline,  which  is  one  of  the  most  pros- 
perous and  best-equipped  communities  in  the  Commonwealth,  owes  much 
of  its  attractiveness  to  the  fact  that  the  public  pleasure  grounds  of  Boston 
lie  in  its  near  neighborhood,  including  such  features  as  Franklin  Park, 
the  Arnold  Arboretum,  the  beautiful  driveway  around  the  Chestnut 
Hill  Reservoir,  and  Jamaica  Pond  and  its  shores — a system  of  improve- 
ments upon  which  Boston  has  expended  millions  of  dollars,  but  which, 
enjoyed  by  the  inhabitants  of  neighboring  cities  and  towns  without  cost 
to  themselves,  form  for  the  people  of  Brookline  in  particular  favorite 
resorts  in  their  .drives  and  rides. 

The  city  of  Lynn,  in  its  noble  public  forest,  the  “Lynn  Woods,” 
shows  a remarkable  instance  of  what  public  spirit  and  a wise  policy  of 
municipal  foresight  can  accomplish.  This  great  woodland  reservation  of 
more  than  2,000  acres  serves  the  purpose  of  a grand  public  pleasure 
ground,  incidentally  to  the  protection  of  the  water  supply  of  the  iity.  This 
consists  of  three  beautiful  basins  occupying  the  sites  of  former  swamps, 
and  having  shores  largely  of  rock  and  covered  with  a forest  growth. 
Throughout  the  woods  are  many  scenes  of  rare  sylvan  l>eauty,  and  the 
territory  is  made  conveniently  and  comfortably  accessible  to  the  public 
from  nearly  all  parts  by  a system  of  drives  and  walks.  The  drives  were 
constructed  partly  by  the  water  board  and  partly  by  the  park  depart- 
ment, and  the  foot  paths  by  the  latter  at  a very  slight  expense.  The 
Lynn  woods  furnish  a telling  example  of  what  can  be  easily  and 
economically  accomplished  in  other  parts  of  the  metropolitan  district, 
supplying  most  valuable  recreation  grounds  of  a character  that  can  be 
maintained  at  the  minimum  of  expense. 

Striking  a colonnaded  plaza  at  the  entrance  of  Memorial  Bridge,  cross- 
ing the  Potomac  thereon  through  the  Pavilion  Bridge  above  described, 
the  Boulevard  would  course  through  the  Virginia  uplands,  recrossing  by 


REPORT  MASSACHUSETTS  METROPOLITAN  PARK  COMMISSION.  63 

the  present  bridge  to  the  overlooking  heights  at  the  north,  with  a view 
over  the  city  to  the  river  at  the  south,  returning  by  the  Soldiers’  Home 
or  through  other  picturesque  routes  (with  which  the  writer  is  unac- 
quainted) to  the  Capitol. 

The  betterments  that  would  follow  upon  the  announcement  of  such 
projected  delights  would  more  than  defray  all  cost,  as  has  been  the  result 
from  park  improvements  in  other  cities.  They  would  bring  to  the 
Treasury  a profit  of  income,  as  has  been  the  fact  in  New  York  and  Boston. 

The  landscape  architects,  in  their  preliminary  report,  1893,  to  the  legis- 
lature of  Massachusetts,  wrote: 

For  those  who  can  not  travel  should  be  provided  access  to  the  best  scenery  fields, 
woods,  ponds,  riverside  banks,  valleys,  and  hills. 

Within  ten  years  the  development  of  trolley  electric  roads  has  brought 
suburban  into  urban  districts.  Outlying  lands  of  cities  have  suddenly 
been  practically  added  to  them  and  the  population  is  flowing  to  them  for 
homes.  Chevy  Chase  and  other  projected  building  properties  will  quickly 
be  within  the  boundaries  of  Washington.  The  picturesque  features  on 
healthful  elevations  which  were  the  basis  of  speculative  enterprise  will 
be  lost  in  divisions  and  subdivisions  of  lots  for  sale,  and  present  oppor- 
tunities to  secure  fractions  of  them  for  the  delight  of  all  the  people  will 
be  barred. 

The  wise,  far-seeing  policy  that  organized  the  Massachusetts  Metro- 
politan Park  Commission  struck  for  existing  chances  to  secure  all  lands 
to  be  wanted  in  the  future.  They  have  purchased  thousands  of  acres 
in  or  adjacent  to  thirty-six  cities  and  towns,  leaving  their  elaborate  im- 
provement for  following  generations.  It  is  a model  for  imitation  to 
Washington  and  all  other  cities  of  rapid  growth. 

In  Massachusetts  these  conditions  had  existed  through  years  in  rela- 
tion to  a desired  system  of  parks  for  many  cities  and  towns.  Finally 
legislation  thoroughly  and  satisfactorily  accomplished  the  task.  It  is  a 
model  in  its  most  important  provisions  for  Washington. 

The  annexed  slip  is  a brief  statement  of  its  history  from  commence- 
ment to  finish: 


BEST  PARK  SYSTEM  ON  THE  CONTINENT. 

[From  the  Rochester  Post-Express.] 

The  present  year  marks  an  important  turning  point  in  the  history  of  the  great 
park  system  in  and  around  Boston.  The  year  has  long  been  looked  forward  to,  and 
the  report  which  the  commissioners  would  make  in  it  has  been  anticipated  with  the 
keenest  interest.  It  was  rendered  on  Saturday.  The  parks  which  are  accessible 
from  Boston  are  now  generally  recognized  as,  taken  all  in  all,  the  most  complete  and 
varied  in  scope,  the  most  systematically  arranged  and  fully  praiseworthy  of  any  that 
are  to  be  found  about  a municipality  in  the  United  States.  They  are  unfinished; 


64  REPORT  MASSACHUSETTS  METROPOLITAN  PARK  COMMISSION. 


but  with  their  promise  in  view,  considering  what  has  been  done  in  a short  time,  and 
their  popular  origin,  they  are  perhaps  without  rival  anywhere  as  city  parks.  Strictly 
speaking,  the  Boston  park  system  is  a small  matter ; while  the  metropolitan  park 
system,  in  which  are  included  the  parkways  and  nearly  all  the  great  recreation  and 
beauty  spaces  that  one  usually  identifies  in  thought  with  the  Boston  parks,  is  a large 
matter. 

In  1892  three  commissioners  were  appointed  for  one  year  to  consider 
the  advisability  of  laying  out  ample  open  spaces  for  the  public  in  thirty- 
six  towns  and  cities  that  surround  Boston,  and  to  report  to  the  next 
legislature  a comprehensive  plan.  Their  reports,  in  1893  and  1900,  con- 
tain passages  of  such  direct  bearing  upon  the  welfare  of  Washington 
that  they  are  appended. 

The  report  of  1893  was  accepted  and  a metropolitan  park  commission 
appointed  with  power  to  condemn  lands  to  1900,  with  annual  appropri- 
ations upon  their  recommendations.  These  have  always  been  granted. 
‘Their  report  for  1900  states: 

The  commissioners  report  that  substantially  all  the  lands  for  the  system  outlined 
by  the  general  plan  of  1S93  have  not  only  been  authorized,  but  have  also  been 
acquired,  or  are  now  in  process  of  acquirement.  From  this  time  forward  the 
problem  will  be,  then,  principally  that  of  maintenance.  The  system  is  created. 

In  detail,  the  acquisitions  which  complete  the  great  task  assigned  them  eight 
years  ago,  viz,  9,279  acres  of  forest,  seashore,  and  river  bank;  also  land  for  17  miles 
of  parkways,  of  which  12  have  been  constructed  and  opened  for  use.  The  board  has 
now  the  duty  as  managing  trustees  to  care  for  $ 10,000,000  worth  of  property  to  be 
handed  on  for  constant  improvement  in  beauty  and  usefulness. 

Their  administration  has  given  universal  satisfaction  to  the  people, 
who  revel  in  the  facilities  for  health  and  pleasure  provided,  although 
with  assumption  of  continued  expenditure  in  the  future. 

[Extracts  from  Report  of  the  Metropolitan  Park  Commission  for  1900.] 

Each  appropriation  for  this  work  has  been  made  by  the  legislature 
after  an  exhaustive  hearing  upon  a petition  presented  by  citizens  or 
municipalities  of  the  district,  and  has  been  based  upon  the  reports  of  the 
commission.  While  these  appropriations  have  been  general  in  form, 
and  have  left  the  commission  free  from  instructions,  the  purpose  for 
which  they  were  made  has  been  well  understood  and  has  been  followed 
as  far  as  possible.  The  result  has  been  that  the  district,  the  legisla- 
ture, and  the  commission  ha\e  been  in  accord,  and  have  adhered  very 
closely  to  the  general  plan  outlined  at  the  beginning  of  the  work  in 
1893.  In  brief,  that  plan  contemplated  preserving  and  making  available 
a series  of  reservations  which  should  include  the  best  scenery  of  wood- 
land, river  bank,  and  seashore  within  the  metropolitan  parks  district, 
comprising  Boston  and  the  thirty-six  other  cities  and  towns  in  a radius 
of  about  1 2 miles  from  the  Statehouse. 

Within  estimates  based  upon  these  appropriations  the  commission  has 
thus  far  acquired  about  9,279  acres  of  forest,  seashore,  and  river  bank; 


S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  3 


5 


65 


No.  34. — Fischer’s  desiprn  for  an  ornamental  portico  in  a park. 


66 


SIXTH  aggrandizement. 


and  has  cared  for  and  to  some  extent  developed  these  reservations  for 
the  purposes  for  which  they  are  held.  There  has  also  been  acquired  the 
land  for  17  miles  of  parkways  or  boulevards,  of  which  about  12  miles 
have  been  constructed  and  opened  for  use. 

The  forest  or  woods  reservations  aggregate  7,393.82  acres.  They 
have  been  selected  for  their  intrinsic  worth,  rather  than  for  their 
position  in  the  district. 

River  reservations  on  Charles,  Neponset,  and  Mystic  rivers  aggregate 
1,771.87  acres. 


Sixth  Aggrandizement. 

Porticoes  for  shelter  and  for  luxurious  bromenade. 


. . . 


CENTENNIAL 

-* • • • 


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AVENUE. 


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_CP.nTENN«Al 
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11 LU 


No.  35. — Ground  plan  of  porticoes  30  feet  wade  in  center  of  boulevard  200  feet  wide,  having  on  each 
side  bridle  paths  25  feet  wide;  roadway  with  walk  60  feet  wide,  shaded  with  four  rows  of  trees. 


Centennial  avenue  is  strongly  advocated,  with  colonnaded  porticoes  at 
intervals  for  the  comfort  and  pleasure  of  the  people. 

First.  For  the  main  thoroughfares  of  pedestrians — at  first  in  sections 
on  Pennsylvania  avenue  and  Sixteenth  street.  Ultimately  the)’  would 
force  the  change  of  the  north  side  to  an  arcaded  Rue  Rivoli  a la  Hauss- 
mann.  Their  popularity  will  demand  them  on  the  grand.  Massachu- 
setts and  Rhode  Island  avenues,  giving  ranges  for  luxurious  promenade 
through  the  center  to  the  limits  of  the  city. 

Second.  As  accessories  of  boulevards  and  parks  for  exercise  and 
pleasure. 

Third.  In  connection  of  and  with  grandiose  structures  which  receive 
great  numbers  of  people. 

These  count  but  few  of  the  many  streets,  but  streets  which  frequently 
receive  all  of  the  population. 

Elsewhere  trees  will  lie  the  first  natural,  as  the  Capitol  is  the  first 
artificial,  glory  of  Washington. 

Not  long  since  one  of  a visiting  committee  of  German  ironmasters 
said:  “Washington  is  the  most  beautiful  city  in  the  world.  I looked 
down  from  the  Washington  Monument  and  saw  a city  in  a park.” 


68 


PORTICOES  OF  ANCIENT  NATIONS. 


Yet  on  Pennsylvania  avenue  trees  are  not  a success,  and  to  its 
increasing  throngs  will  never  be  a shelter. 

Colonnades  herein  proposed  will  in  parks  be  combined  with  trees  for 
beauty.  They  will  be  a mutual  enhancement  in  the  landscape.  They 
are  a marked  feature  in  the  style  of  park  treatment  in  Italy,  the  country 
that  has  inherited  a classic  taste. 

See  Fig.  36,  the  introduction  of  a peristyle,  that  its  exquisite  proportions 
may  be  adorned  with  nature’s  drapery. 

Pausanias,  in  his  description  of  the  architectural  glories  of  Athens, 
elaborates  upon  the  number  and  beauties  of  the  porticoes,  not  only  within 
the  city,  but  outside  thereof,  and  at  its  port,  Piraeus.  He  says:  “ From 
the  gate  to  the  Ceramicus  there  are  several  porticoes,  the  fronts  of  which 


No.  37. — The  ruined  porticoes  of  Palmyra. 


are  adorned  with  brass  figures  of  the  most  celebrated  personages  of  both 
sexes.”  He  describes  the  decorations  of  the  King’s  Portico  and  others 
in  detail. 

Adrian  built  a portico  of  Phrygian  marble,  with  ceilings  of  alabaster. 

Pausanias  mentions  several  porticoes  besides  those  which  lead  to  the 
Acropolis,  “which  have  their  fronts  and  ceilings  of  marble,  and  which, 
for  ornament  and  magnitude  of  the  stones,  are  superior  to  anything  in 
existence.”  Beneath  these  ample  porticoes  more  than  in  the  contracted 
grove  of  Plato  were  evolved  the  attainments  of  Greek  civilization  in  art 
and  literature — exemplars  to  their  Roman  conquerors  and  to  all  succeed- 
ing races. 

A study  of  the  architectural  grandeur  and  luxury  which  environed  the 
ancient  civilizations  shows  that  porticoes  were  most  extensive  and 
important  structures  for  the  health  and  pleasure  of  the  people  in  lati- 
tudes approximating  that  of  Washington. 

Palmyra,  Antioch,  Athens,  Rome,  Carthage  stimulated  the  vigor  and 


PORTICOES  OF  ANCIENT  CITIES. 


69 


cheer  of  their  populations  by  the  charms  of  sheltered  colonnades  for 
public  resort.  “The  ruins  of  Palmyra,  otherwise  Tedmoor  in  the 
Desart’’  (Wood,  London,  1753)  has  a frontispiece  4 feet  in  length, 
showing  sections  of  a portico  4,000  feet  in  continuous  range. 

Bulwer  wrote,  “ However  modern  civilization  may  in  some  things  sur- 
pass the  ancients,  it  is  certainly  not  in  luxury  or  splendor.’’  “ Amidst 
the  delights  of  Susa,  the  very  porticoes  of  whose  palaces  might  enclose 
the  limits  of  a city.”  “Men  stood  awed  and  dazzled  in  the  courts  of 
that  wonder  of  the  world,  that  crown  of  the  East,  the  marble  magnifi- 
cence of  Palmyra.” 


No.  38. — A colonnaded  court.  Palazzi  di  Roma.  Pietro  Ferrerio,  1635. 


A rich  design  for  a colonnade  around  the  Washington  Monument;  an  esplanade  to  be  reached 
by  staircases  for  promenade.  Around  its  frieze,  in  letters  of  gold  bronze,  should  be:  I.et  it  rise  till 
it  meet  the  sun  in  his  coming;  let  the  earliest  light  of  morning  gild  it,  and  let  parting  day  linger 
and  play  upon  its  summit. — Webstet . For  the  tablets  other  appropriate  quotations. 


In  covetous  imitation  of  Grecian  luxury,  Augustus  “made  porticoes 
popular.”  He  covered  the  “whole  campus  with  colonnades,  under  the 
shelter  of  which  it  was  possible  to  cross  the  plain  from  one  end  to  the 
other.”  The  example  of  Augustus  was  followed  down  to  the  very  fall  of 
the  Empire,  and  even  afterwards,  as  shown  by  the  porticoes  of  Constan- 
tine, Gratian,  Valentinian,  Theodosius,  and,  lastly,  by  those  which  led 
from  the  zElian  Bridge  to  St.  Peter’s  and  from  the  Porta  Ostiensis  to  St. 
Paul’s. 

“If  these  structures  are  considered  as  a system  their  importance  in- 
creases tenfold.  Beneath  them  citizens  could  walk  in  every  season  and  at 
any  hour  under  shelter  from  wind,  rain,  cold,  and  the  heat  of  the  sun.” 


yo 


ROMAN  PORTICOKS. 


The  poets,  Martial  especially,  allude  to  the  delight  of  enjoying  the 
warmth  of  “sunshine  in  winter,  while  outsiders  shivered  in  the  blasts 
of  the  traniontana.  The  spaces  between  the  columns  were  walled  in 


No.  39. — Pompeii  restored.  Porticoes  of  the  forum  and  temples. 


graceful  designs  with  boxwood.  At  the  end  of  the  Empire  it  was  possible 
to  walk  under  shelter  a distance  of  nearly  2 miles.  The  development 
of  the  twelve  larger  colonnades  of  the  Campus  Martius  only  amounts  to 


No.  40.— Kestoration  of  the  Palaces  of  the  Ca;sarson  the  Palatine  Hill,  by  Spadoni.  archicologist  at  Rome,  1895. 


over  15,000  feet  range  (nearly  3 miles);  the  sheltered  surface  to  7 acres; 
total  area,  with  central  gardens,  25  acres;  number  of  columns,  about 
2 , 000.  ’ ’ ' 


Lanciani.  Ruins  and  excavations  of  ancient  Rome. 


ADVANTAGES  OF  PORTICOES. 


71 


Nor  were  porticoes  the  exclusive  luxury  of  great  capitals,  but  a com- 
mon provision  for  comfort  of  citizens  in  small  provincial  cities.  Pompeii 
(of  about  20,000  population)  abounded  with  them.  The  great  Forum 
and  the  courts  of  all  the  temples  were  surrounded  by  them. 

Considering  their  practical  utility,  they  supplied  shelter  within  inclo- 
sures  of  exquisite  beauties  at  all  times  from  rain,  wind,  heat,  and  sun 
glare  impossible  from  trees  above.  A broad  and  even  shade  to  the  eyes 
from  overhead  from  dazzling  rays,  a solid  shelter  from  scorching  sun 
blasts,  are  blessings  only  to  be  appreciated  from  experience.  The  wel- 
come arcades  of  southern  France,  Spain,  Italy,  Algiers,  of  Turin,  Barce- 
lona, etc.,  are  a delicious  recollection  to  those  who  have  retreated  to 
them,  with  the  writer,  in  Genoa,  Rome,  and  Naples  from  a July  sun  at 
zenith.  If  notice  be  taken  of  parties  in  conversation  in  full  sun  force,  it 
will  be  seen  that  unconsciously  both  have  eyes  nearly  closed  for  relief. 


No.  41.  Design  for  a portico  oil  the  Boulevard,  with  solarium. 


None  of  the  above-named  cities  have  more  occasion  for  such  construc- 
tion than  Washington.  All  compelled  to  frequent  Pennsylvania  avenue 
in  the  heated  term  know  of  its  scorching  atmosphere,  with  no  protection, 
even  of  trees,  from  the  heat  absorbed  by  and  radiating  from  its  bricks  and 
melting  asphalt. 

Let  an  experimental  500  feet  be  built  on  the  avenue,  25  feet  wide  on 
either  side,  and  the  popularity  of  the  conception  will  be  demonstrated 
in  use. 

The  advantages  of  porticoes  are  argued  thus  far  solely  as  an  expedient 
for  the  warm  seasons.  They  are  almost  as  fully  to  be  adduced  for  all 
seasons  of  the  year.  The  passage  from  Martial  above  quoted  tells  of 
their  “delight  of  enjoying  therein  in  Rome  the  warmth  of  sunshine 
while  outsiders  shivered.” 

By  defense  against  winds  from  the  cold  quarters  they  became 


Portlcl  |rl  Pav»cl|or», 


72  MODERN  ARCADES  AND  COLONNADES. 

“solaria” — -sun  parlors.'  These  were  an  almost  universal  charm  of 
Roman  life — provided  with  defense  from  the  alpine  and  coast  winds  in  the 
porticoes,  with  openings  toward  the  sun,  but  with  the  same  appliances 
upon  the  house  tops  for  domestic  control  of  cold  or  heat. 

The  design  annexed  (p.  71)  supplies  above  a portico  a “solarium.” 
The  exposures  to  cold  winds  are  to  be  defended  by  iron  and  glass,  while 
open  to  the  warmth  of  the  southern  sun.  What  beneficence  to  supply  to 
invalids  such  retreats  in  the  seasons  of  harsh  winds,  where  they  may 
bask  in  sunlight  in  open  air  above  the  barren  tree  tops! 


No.  42. — Arcades  and  colonnades  in  Bologna. 

No  city  in  the  world  is  planned  for  such  superb  utilization  of  public 
porticoes  as  Washington  by  its  avenues  of  extraordinary  width,  consid- 
ering the  light  demands  upon  them  for  the  movement  of  traffic. 

If  commenced,  they  will  have  such  development  as  to  make  Washington 
sui generis  a modern  Rome,  Athens,  or  Palmyra — monumental  in  public 
porticoes,  foci  of  popular  comfort  and  pleasure. 

'The  sun  parlor  is  now  an  essential  provision  in  large  high-class  modern  hotels. 
The  writer  has  satisfaction  in  his  impression  that  its  first  appearance  was  in  the 
Casa  Monica,  St.  Augustine,  1889  (vide  Part  II,  fig.  40),  in  a “Sala  del  Sol” — Hall 
of  the  Sun. 


AN  EXECUTIVE  AVENUE. 


73 


Seventh  Aggrandizement. 

Clearance  of  Sixteenth  street  from  shanties,  tumble-down  stables,  etc. — 
Its  adornment  as  a bisecting  boulevatd — Its  name  to  be 
Executive  Avtnue. 

The  spacious  streets  of  Washington,  lovely  in  verdure  at  seasons,  are 
wretchedly  marred  by  rookeries,  etc.,  intermingled  with  splendid  dwell- 
ings. There  is  no  prospect  of  relief  from  this  hideousness  except  by  legis- 
lative compulsion.  On  Sixteenth  street,  one  of  the  most  important  and 
elegant  avenues,  they  have  been  undisturbed  for  thirty  or  forty  years. 

The  annexed  views  (p.  74)  were  taken  on  the  28th  of  March,  1900,  on 
the  east  and  west  sides  of  Sixteenth  street,  five  blocks  from  the  White 
House.  They  are  on  the  central  road  to  the  hills  and  parks  at  the 
north.  They  are  specimens  of  what  exist  throughout  the  city  commin- 
gled with  the  finest  residences.  Many  of  them  were  primitive  hovels  on 
the  land,  and  have  been  unchanged,  except  by  dilapidation.  Tnere  is 
no  certainty  of  change  with  any  of  them,  but  probability  of  permanence 
with  many.  Instances  are  known  where  such  deformities  have  been 
actually  built  in  malice  against  neighbors  or  for  compulsion  to  force  an 
exorbitant  price  in  sale. 

Nothing  can  be  done  to  suppress  such  offensiveness,  discouraging  to 
elegant  improvements  and  adverse  to  the  values  of  adjacent  estates, 
except  through  power  of  condemnation.  Such  shanty  ism  is  an  aggra- 
vated nuisance,  for  it  adds  to  conspicuous  deformities  objectionable 
occupation.1  The  same  public  right  that  condemns  real  estate  incon- 
gruous with  a park  entrance  plainly  exists  with  reference  to  such 
properties  on  grand  avenues.  “The  superiority  of  the  rights  of  the 
public  over  the  ownership  of  individuals  is  a right  recognized  by  the 
courts  as  existent  and  is  constantly  enforced  by  judicial  decree.” 

It  is  the  impossibility  of  reaching  avaricious,  obstinate  single  owners, 
waiting  for  a sharp  opportunity,  that  holds  back  improvement.  In  con- 
demnation owners  would  receive  only  their  present  value,  and  justly, 
for  they  would  then  realize  a great  advance  through  the  investments  of 
others. 

There  are  various  expedients  for  adornment  of  vacant  lots  at  small 
expense. 

Frequently  neighborhood  syndicates  would  agree  in  advance  to  take 
the  land  at  the  price  of  condemnation  and  make  prescribed  improvements. 

‘The  writer  would  by  no  means  imply  that  all  such  humble  dwellings  are  objec- 
tionable in  their  occupation.  Coming  from  the  North,  he  has  observed  with 
pleasure  the  neatness  and  thrift  of  many  of  the  colored  population  and  their  unob- 
trusive bearing  on  the  streets  and  in  the  street  cars. 

There  are  many  colored  people  to  be  preferred  as  neighbors  in  cities  to  many  white 
folks  of  their  population.  Sensible  people  among  the  poor  would  assist  public 
improvements  the  enjoyment  of  which  they  could  share  in  common  with  all. 


Nos.  43-44.— Views  at  L and  M streets,  on  Sixteenth  street,  April,  1900.  By  favor  of  Mr.  L.  C.  Handy,  photographer  for  departments,  Washington, 


PLAYSTEADS  AND  PLAYGROUNDS. 


75 


Associations  of  adjacent  owners  might  improve  vacant  lots  for  play- 
steads  for  small  children,  for  tennis  courts,  ornamental  grounds  with 
bowers,  etc.,  for  their  members. 

There  is  not  sufficient  provision  in  cities  for  infants  and  young  chil- 
dren. One  often  exclaims,  “Poor  little  things!”  when  they  are  seen  in 
their  ornate  carriages  in  a wealth  of  finery,  but  perchance  with  their 
faces  in  the  sun — intense  heat  reflected  around  them  from  a hard  gravel 
walk — while  the  maids  hold  a conversazione  in  the  shade. 

Listen  to  an  official  report  to  the  Metropolitan  Park  Commission  of 
Massachusetts.  F.  L.  Olmsted  and  Charles  Eliot,  landscape  architects, 
wrote:  “Agreeable  and  numerous  open-air  nurseries  and  playgrounds 
for  small  children  are  perhaps  more  necessary  than  the  broad  gravel 
ways  for  adults.  Every  crowded  neighborhood  ought  to  be  provided 
with  a place  removed  from  the  paved  streets,  in  which  mothers,  babies, 
and  small  children  may  find  apartments  to  rest,  sleep,  and  play  in  the 
open  air.” 

They  did  not  add  in  description  what  the)'  provided,  viz,  covered 
' seats  in  playgrounds  and  seats  under  roof  in  playsteads,  as  in  the  parks 
of  Boston.  (See  Fig.  48.) 

Note  the  sand  beds,  boxed  and  fenced.  If  the  little  ones  could  be 
delivered  occasionally  from  their  lace  adornment — (not  always,  by  any 
means!  for  their  loveliness  could  not  be  spared  entirely  from  amid  the 
flowers  of  the  parks) — that  they  could  disport  in  loose  frocks  in  the  sand 
as  on  the  seashore,  it  would  be  a gain  to  their  health  and  happiness,  as 
likewise  in  consequence  for  their  mothers. 

Vacant  lots  could  be  thus  utilized.  The  front  line  could  be  screened 
in  verdure,  adding  beauty  to  the  vicinity. 

Construct  temporary  frames  as  screen  facades  in  architectural  forms, 
in  sections' — to  be  easily  transferred  elsewhere — cover  them  with  metal 
lathing  and  that  with  cement  concrete.  Plant  the  Ampelopsis  veitchii* 

1 This  expedient  solves  the  difficulty  lately  debated  in  the  Star  of  one-storv  stores 
on  Pennsylvania  avenue,  rendering  excessive  height  of  new  constructions  still 
more  prominent.  Screen  facades  of  concrete  of  rich  design  can  he  built  at  trifling 
expense.  They  would  require  no  repair;  could  be  sold  for  use  repeatedly  if  made  in 
sections.  It  is  a trifling  matter  to  add  reveals  of  cornices  and  window  frames,  or 
still  more  cheaply,  they  can  be  simulated  with  shadows  and  perspective  by  the  brush, 
as  is  frequently  done  in  Germany  for  temporary  enrichment.  V.  Figs.  45,  46,  47. 

2 Washington  has  not  enough  appreciated  this  beautiful  and  wonderful  climber. 
There  are  some  proud  effects  with  it  on  churches  and  dwellings  to  be  remarked — 
instance  in  the  Grecian  fajade  on  the  south  of  Farragut  square.  Its  nature  is  the 
reverse  of  the  dangling  Virginia  creeper  or  woodbine.  That  grows  rapidly;  is  not 
closely  self-clinging;  opens  to  the  wind  with  rain  and  then  covers  the  dampness 
from  the  sun;  nurtures  an  especially  offensive  worm.  The  ampelopsis,  by  its  mar- 
velous microscopic  pad  feet  as  suckers,  draws  dampness  from  the  walls  into  the  vine. 
It  overlaps  closely  with  its  leaves  like  the  scales  of  armor,  protecting  from  storms. 
It  takes  the  most  graceful  pendency  of  all  foliage.  It  is  superb  in  color,  especially 
gorgeous  in  autumn.  It  is  hard)',  needing  no  care;  long  lived,  covering  great  areas. 
For  city  rusticity  it  is  sui  generis.  See  page  85  and  Addenda. 


76 


VERDANT  SCREEN  FACADES. 


No.  45  is  a design  which  can  be  endlessly  varied 
for  a screen  front.  It  is  in  movable  sections 
braced  from  the  rear  by  a scaffold  ascending 
to  the  balcony,  for  life  in  the  open  air,  which 
Americans  have  not  learned  to  enjoy  like 
Europeans.  The  ampclopsis  is  planted  at 
the  base. 


No.  46  is  the  tower  of  Villa  Zorayda,  to  which 
the  ivy  climbed  in  three  years.  Professor 
Northrop  used  a slide  of  it  in  his  lectures 
on  Village  Improvement  as  a gem  of  nature’s 
adornment. 


-1 

No.  47  is  of  the  Hotel  Granada,  St.  Augustine.  The  first  story  is  of  solid  concrete.  The  second  and 
third  stories  are  of  concrete  in  metal  lathing  % inch  in  thickness. 


PLAYSTEADS  AND  PLAYGROUNDS. 


77 


(Japanese  or  Boston  ivy),  and  in  two  or  three  years  its  graceful  pendency 
would  feast  the  eye  more  than  the  adjoining  dull,  hard,  brick  front  of  the 
elaborate  dwelling. 

The  annexed  illustrations  demonstrate  the  practicability  of  these  sug- 
gestions. 

Behind  such  screens  on  the  avenues  of  Washington  let  the  babies 
rollic.  Parents  and  friends  will  seek  them  to  admire  more  than  on  the 
bare  walks  or  even  the  grass  of  the  parks  (if  permitted  there). 

There  was  an  unlettered  country  maiden  who  had  a soul  with  Nature. 
Her  heart  in  joyousness  frisked  with  the  lambs.  Explanation  of  her 
happiness  requested,  she  said:  “It  is  delightsome  to  go  into  the  fields 
when  they  are  green,  and  see  the  young  lambs  bound,  rebound,  and 
tettary-bound,  coz  it’s  Natar  capurin' 

An  appeal  to  parents  to  help  their  little  ones  join  in  “ Natur’s 
capurin’  ’’  is  not  amiss  in  the  lofty  theme  of  these  papers.  They  aim  at 
the  good  and  happiness  of  the  people — all  who  count  as  the  population  of 
Washington,  and  the  present  count  of  the  census  will  begin  with  the 
babies. 

EXTRACT  FROM  REPORT  OF  MASSACHUSETTS  METROPOLITAN  PARK 

COMMISSION.' 

‘ ‘ The  subject  of  smaller  open  spaces  for  local  playgrounds  or  ‘ ‘ breath- 
ing spots,”  as  they  are  appropriately  called,  is  one  so  different  in  its 
nature  as  to  require  a separate  consideration  and  a different  method  of 
treatment.  Being  more  of  local  concern,  it  is  hardly  to  be  expected  that 
they  should  be  provided  for  by  the  same  means  proposed  for  a general 
system  of  metropolitan  parks,  the  various  features  of  which  are  of 
moment  to  the  entire  community. 

“It  is  desirable  that  every  well-inhabited  section  of  the  metropolitan 
district  should  have  one  of  these  local  pleasure  grounds  within  easy 
reach,  so  that  without  difficulty  women  and  children  can  resort  thither 
from  their  homes  without  the  least  danger  of  fatigue. 

‘ ‘ Excellent  examples,  however,  of  what  such  local  pleasure  grounds 
should  be — and,  indeed,  perhaps  the  best  of  their  kind  in  the  world,  in 
many  respects — are  some  of  the  new  grounds  that  haye  been  created  by 
the  park  department  of  the  city ; for  instance,  the  Cliarlesbank,  the 
Playstead  of  Franklin  Park,  and  the  new  playgrounds  now  under  con- 
struction at  Charlestown,  East  Boston,  and  in  connection  with  the 
Marine  Park  at  South  Boston. 

“ The  Cliarlesbank  may  be  cited  as  an  ideal  pleasure  ground  of  its  sort, 
providing  for  the  wants  of  a densely  populated  neighborhood  in  a 
remarkably  varied  way,  giving  opportunities  for  the  restful  enjoyment 
of  the  fresh  air  in  the  summer  cooled  by  the  waters  of  the  river,  for 
beholding  the  very  interesting  spectacle  of  varied  aquatic  life,  for  the 


78 


PLAYSTEAD  AND  PLAYGROUND  IN  BOSTON. 


No.  48.— Plan  of  women’s  gymnasium  and  children’s  playstead  in  Boston-covered  seats  before  the 
turf  playground  for  little  girls;  sand  courts,  swings,  etc. 


tf/lpL 


GYMNASIUM — CIIARLKSBANK,  BOSTON 


79 


No.  49. — Park  system  of  Boston — girls’  gymnasium,  Charlesbank. 


No.  50. — Park  system  of  Boston — boys’  gymnasium,  Charlesbank 


80 


GYMNASIUM—  CHARLESBANK,  BOSTON. 


PLAYSTEAD — CHARLESBANK,  BOSTON. 


8l 


No.  51.— Park  system  of  Boston— playstead,  Cliarlesbank. 


82 


OUTDOOR  PLEASURES. 


athletic  recreation  of  both  sexes  in  first-class  outdoor  gymnasiums,  boat- 
ing on  the  river,  provision  for  the  enjoyment  of  little  children  and 
infants  and  for  taking  care  of  them  while  their  mothers  are  at  work. 
An  institution  of  this  kind  is  one  great  remedy  for  the  ills  of  city  life 
which  some  of  our  reformers  have  seen  in  it.  Indeed,  it  would  lie  well 
to  consider,  in  the  antitenement-house  agitation,  that  the  suburban 
movement  has  already  converted  the  outlying  sections  very  extensively 
into  tenement-house  regions. 

“The  suitable  establishment  of  local  pleasure  grounds  is  a subject  that 
is  occupying  much  attention  in  other  parts  of  the  world.  In  England, 
for  instance,  the  Metropolitan  Public  Gardens  Association,  of  London, 
under  the  chairmanship  of  the  Earl  of  Meath,  has  performed  invaluable 
sen-ice  in  promoting  the  establishment  of  open  spaces,  and  information 
concerning  this  work  is  constantly  being  sought  from  various  parts  of 
the  world.  These  achievements  include  the  establishment  of  new  play- 
grounds, the  improvement  of  old  ones,  the  planting  of  trees,  the  erec- 
tion of  fountains,  contributions  toward  gymnasiums,  etc. 

Casually  has  occurred  mention  of  open-air  life  facilities.  We  return  to 
add  some  words  in  urgency  of  it  in  a paper  at  Saratoga,  1894.  They  are 
as  applicable  in  the  gentle  climate  of  Washington  for  a much  longer 
period. 

The  European  hotel  system  is  advocated  for  the  large  hotels  in  Saratoga,  not  only 
from  the  economies  accruing  to  themselves  and  their  patrons,  but  because  it  would 
supply  the  charming  feature  of  life  abroad — meals  in  open  air.  There  breakfast 
and  lunch  in  a garden,  on  a boulevard,  a terrace,  or  a balcony  are  the  rule,  not  only 
in  inns  and  restaurants,  but  in  domestic  life. 

In  continental  countries,  especially  in  Germany,  the  pavilion,  with  its  table 
planted  upon  the  angle  of  the  little  home  garden  overlooking  the  street,  appears 
whenever  possible. 

Phillips  Brooks  wrote  as  follows : 

“ Bad-Gastein,  September  2,  1883. 

“To  Gertie : 

“ Everybody  here  eats  his  breakfast,  luncheon,  and  dinner  out  of  doors. 

“I  like  it  and  think  I shall  do  so  myself  when  I get  home. 

“ So  when  you  come  to  breakfast  we  will  have  our  table  out  on  the  grass  plot  in 
Newbury  street,  and  Katie  shall  bring  us  our  beefsteak  there.  Will  it  not  make  the 
children  stare  as  they  go  by  to  school?  We’ll  toss  the  crumbs  to  the  robins.” 

The  restaurant  of  the  Art  Museum  in  New  York  is  to  have  a section  in  open  air. 
Saratoga  will  not  be  a Spa  in  the  full  significance  of  the  term  until  as  in  Spa  of 
Belgium,  which  gave  its  name  to  others,  the  open-air  restaurant  in  a pavilion  or  a 
garden,  the  economical  renting  of  a room  with  opportunity  to  order  coffee  and  a roll 
only  at  their  fair  worth,  will  be  enticements  of  city  denizens  from  their  close-walled 
quarters. 

Still  more  and  for  longer  terms  should  out  door  life  be  stimulated  in 
Washington.  Proper  park  treatment  will  develop  it. 

Again,  when  by  condemnation  the  rubbishy  lots  shall  be  within 
control,  another  method  of  ornamentation  with  earning  of  income  would 
be  to  construct  partial  buildings;  for  instance,  two-story  apartment 
flats  with  large  rooms,  popular  for  having  but  one  staircase.  Par- 


FOLIAGE  OX  CONCRETE.  83 

tition  walls  could  be  built  of  materials  and  dimensions  required  by  law 
for  additions  to  three  or  four  stories  at  pleasure. 

The  front  could  be  made  of  concrete  plaster  on  metal  lathing  with  iron 
studs,  carrying  an  inner  wall  of  the  same.  The  air  space  would  give 
even  temperature  and  the  whole  would  be  fireproof.  The  third  story 
could  be  carried  up  with  a false  front  of  handsome  design,  braced  from 
the  inside  walls.  The  effect  would  be  precisely  that  of  a stone  front. 
When  covered  with  the  Ampelopsis  veitchii  the  inexpensive  construc- 
tion would  vie  with  many  of  great  cost  in  desirableness  for  use  and  exter- 
nal beauty. 

All  foundations  and  wall  work  would  be  on  the  building  regulations, 
so  that  superstructures  could  utilize  them  without  loss. 


No.  49. — A house  of  cement  concrete.  Progress  Publishing  Company,  New  York. 


The  introduction  of  concrete  for  temporary  use  would  surely  lead  to 
its  general  adoption.  There  is  too  much  brickwork  in  Washington — 
too  much  of  its  insignificance  as  a material  and  of  its  dull  monotony  of 
color.  It  is  a welcome  progress — the  introduction  of  light  brick;  but 
their  glazed  surface  is  too  smooth  for  the  clinging  toes  of  the  ampelopsis. 
Verdure — incomparable  in  the  world — “A  wide  expanse  of  living  verdure 
flowing  round  it  like  a sea”  (Motley) — enwrapping  the  arbored  streets 
of  Washington,  should  be  the  fame  of  its  natural  adornment.  Concrete  has 
precisely  the  grained  surface  of  stone  that  the  vine  loves  as  a support. 

Most  opportunely  is  received  at  this  writing  an  illustration  of  its  appli- 
cation on  the  largest  scale  and  perhaps  the  most  conspicuous  structure  in 


84 


FLORAL  DECORATION*  IX  EUROPE. 


the  United  States  for  the  hiding  of  old  brick  walls  and  the  substitution 
of  desirable  tone  in  color. 


New  York  Central  and  Hudson  River  Railroad  Company, 

Grand  Central  Station, 

. New  York , April  iS,  1900. 

Dear  Sir:  In  answer  to  your  questions  regarding  the  concrete  facing  on  the  ex- 
terior of  the  Grand  Central  Station,  which  has  been  referred  to  me  by  Mr.  George 
H.  Daniels,  general  passenger  agent,  I would  say: 

( 1 ) The  concrete  facing  of  the  lower  stories  was  cast  in  blocks,  on  the  premises, 
from  models  made  originally  from  a cut-stone  model,  and  averaging  18  by  30  inches 
in  size.  The  upper  stories  were  covered  with  cement  stucco  applied  directly  to  the 
rough  brick. 

(2)  One  color  only  has  been  used,  and  that  the  natural  color  of  light-colored 
Portland  cement  and  white  sand. 

(3)  The  blocks  are  iX  inches  in  thickness. 

( 4 ! The  whole  building  has  been  refaced  on  the  street  fronts. 

(5)  It  was  done  to  give  the  whole  building  a surface  uniform  in  color  and  mate- 
rial, inasmuch  as  three  new  stories  had  been  built  above  the  three  old. 

(6)  I regret  that  I have  no  photographs  of  the  work. 

I am  yours,  very  truly, 


\V.  J.  WiLGUS. 


Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith, 

Halls  of  the  Ancients,  Washington,  D.  C. 


It  will  not  be  long  before  this  example  will  strike  a contagion  in 
Washington,  and  dull  old  brick  fronts  will  be  enlivened.  I11  future  it 
will  be  better  to  build  them  cheerfully  at  the  outset  at  lessexpense,  after 
Roman  examples  and  modern  European  following — cheap  brick  walls 
with  coarse  joints  faced  with  Portland  cement  concrete.  Poor  mortar 
used  at  times  formerly,  going  to  ruin,  has  given  such  practice  a bad 
name.  It  has  no  relation  to  cement  concrete. 

It  is  within  the  resources  of  all  residents  of  comely  houses  in  Wash- 
ington to  add  greatly  to  their  exterior  attractions  by  window  displays  of 
flowers.  Observers  of  European  life  agree  that  with  those  nations  there 
is  a greater  love  of  flowers  than  with  Americans.  It  is  more  the  fact 
with  English,  Germans,  and  Russians.  Despite  London’s  murky  atmos- 
phere in  autumn,  not  only  the  windows  of  Belgravia,  but  through  the 
encouragement  of  prizes  for  the  best  window  boxes  in  the  poorer  dis- 
tricts, they  are  also  brightened  with  geraniums,  stocks,  and  nasturtiums. 

The  short  winters  of  Washington  are  an  encouragement  to  this  refin- 
ing home  industry.  In  icy  Russia  houses  have  triple  windows.  The 
space  between  the  inner  two  sashes  is  made  a Wardian  case,  and  Lyco- 
podia, the  Maranta  Zebrina,  etc.,  fill  the  casement  with  verdure,  wanting 
very  little  care.  In  dull  Edinburg  rich  displaj-s  of  foliage  are  made  gay 
with  the  life  and  song  of  aviaries.  Public  spirit  once  awakened,  the 
loss  of  foliage  in  the  winter  on  the  avenues  may  be  largely  and  delight- 
fully compensated  by  household  enterprise.  Cyclamen  alone  will  make 
a lovely  exhibit  of  bloom  throughout  the  winter.  This  topic  will  lie 
profitable  agitation  at  the  Ladies’  Club  for  promotion  of  contributory 
charms  in  aggrandizement  of  Washiueton. 


RUSTIC  AND  FLORAL  DECORATION. 


85 


The  above  suggestions  for  the  adornment  of  Sixteenth  street  as 
Executive  avenue  are  plainly  applicable  to  all  streets  of  Washington. 
One  successful  example  would  be  contagious  and  lead  to  general  im- 
provement.1 

The  following  plate  of  the  house  of  Mrs.  S.  S.  Cox  was  taken  by  Mr. 
Handy,  May  12,  1900.  For  other  views  of  houses  adjacent,  see  Addenda. 


House  owned  by  Mrs.  S.  S.  Cox— Dupont  Circle. 


•See  Addenda  No.  2,  Municipal  .-Esthetics,  for  able  disquisition  on  tlie  above  topics. 


86 


A PARK  ISTORIA 


Eighth  Aggrandizement. 

The  Park  Istoria — sites  ample  for  the  Smithsonian  Institution , National 
Museum , and  many  public  buildings. 


Presuming  upon  a condemnation  of  the  220  acres  which,  it  has  been 
shown,  would  be  a most  desirable  acquisition  at  a low  price,  a study  of 
its  use  in  connection  with  the  National  Galleries  reveals  other  important 
advantages  that  would  result. 

The  prospectus  of  1891  proposed  that  it  should  be  taken  for  a Park 
Istoria.  Allowing  60  acres  (including  the  Observatory  lot)  for  the 
National  Galleries,  there  would  remain  160  acres  for  other  purposes. 
By  filling  on  the  line  of  B street  southward  to  Centennial  avenue  pro- 
posed, there  would  be  acquired  120  acres  additional,  nearly  350  acres  in 
a solid  block.  The  plan  annexed  is  an  attractive  appropriation  of  a 
portion  of  it,  leaving  a great  area  for  future  public  buildings. 

“The  capital  has  always  deplored”  the  invasion  of  the  park,  accord- 
ing to  the  Star,  for  the  structures  that  followed  the  first  Norman  group 
for  the  Smithsonian.  “The  Department  of  Agriculture,  the  forbidding 
Medical  Museum,  the  Fish  Commission,  doomed  to  early  removal,  were 
mistakes.  ’ ’ 

It  would  be  a great  and  much-needed  advance  for  the  usefulness  of 
the  National  Museum  if  the  land  could  be  obtained  and  enough  assigned 
for  its  removal  thereto  with  the  enlargement  demanded.  Its  brick 
factory-like  construction  is  unartistic — unsightly  in  a park.  Expendi- 
ture is  now  being  made  for  additions  that  can  be  only  temporary.  It 
has  vast  material  stored  for  lack  of  room.  It  covers  now  2 Vs  acres.  It 
will  demand  10  acres  for  present  increase  and  prospective  growth. 
Suggestion:  Move  the  institution  to  the  Park  (to  be)  Istoria;  nearly  all 


lartitious,  2 to  8 times  that  number. 


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No.  53-DESIGN  FOR  ONE  SIDE  OF  A QUADRANGLE  FOR  THE  NATIONAL  MUSEUM. 


88 


DESIGN*  FOR  COMBINATION  HALLS. 


its  materials  can  be  utilized — brick,  glass,  etc.;  add  its  area  to  the  Mall. 
It  would  offset  the  space  for  the  boulevard,  although  that  does  not 
detract  from  its  rural  aspect. 

Copy  for  the  new  structure  the  Spanish  style  of  Stanford  University — 
plain  surfaces  with  ornamentation  about  gateways  only — rich,  arresting 
admiration  because,  like  a mosaic  or  a painting,  it  is  single,  not  repeated. 
Let  it  be  principally  on  one  floor,  with  height  ample  for  galleries.  Build 
of  concrete  with  hollow  walls,  with  heavy  walls  to  carry  additions. 


Let  the  Ampelopsis  drape  its  stone  surfaces  and  hang  from  its  roofs 
and  towers.  This  can  all  be  accomplished  inexpensively  compared  with 
usual  Government  structures,  using  present  material,  for  $400,000  to 
$500,000,  the  amount  spent  on  the  present  insufficient  building. 

The  large  area  on  a level  above  proposed  for  cheapness  of  construc- 
tion and  facility  of  display  revives  the  suggestion  hereinbefore  made  of 
the  automatic,  slowly  moving  seats  for  visitors,  avoiding  all  fatigue. 
Visits  to  museums  have  always  been  exhaustive  to  such  a degree  as  to 


A THICKET  OF  OLOGIES. 


89 


< < 


y y 


prevent  study  in  comfort.  By  seats  moving  gently  from  point  to  point, 
prolonged  visits  would  lie  delightful  for  old  or  young,  rather  than  a dread. 

If  the  Museum  were  adjacent  to  the  Galleries  one  power  house  could 
provide  this  great  luxury  for  all  their  extent. 

A most  important  argument  for  the  removal  of  the  Museum,  as  above 
proposed,  is  that  the  institution  would  naturally  supplement  and  coincide 
with  the  educational  purposes  of  the  Galleries  of  History  and  Art.  The 
National  Museum,  under  administration  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution, 
has  its  own  important  and  distinctive  field.  To  show  how  completely  dis- 
tinct its  useful  fields  of  study  and  illustration  are  from  the  proposed 
National  Galleries,  the  following  statement  is  cpxoted  from  the  late  Presi- 
dent J.  C.  Welling,  LL.I).,  of  the  Columbian  University,  Washington: 

‘ ‘ The  National  Museum  has  twenty-two  distinct  scientific  departments 
under  its  jurisdiction:  The  departments  of  comparative  anatomy,  of 
mammals,  of  birds,  of  reptiles,  of  fishes,  of  mollusks,  of  insects,  of  marine 
invertebrates,  of  plants,  of  fossil  vertebrates,  of  Paleozoic  fossil  inverte- 
brates, of  Mesozoic  fossil  invertebrates,  of  Cenozoic  fossil  invertebrates,  of 
fossil  plants,  of  geology  and  petrology,  of  mineralogy,  of  metallurgy  and 
mining,  of  prehistoric  arclueology,  of  ethnology,  of  oriental  antiquities, 
of  American  aboriginal  pottery,  of  arts  and  industries,  comprising  under 
these  last-named  heads  numismatics,  graphic  arts,  foods,  textiles,  fisheries, 
historical  relics,  materia  medica,  naval  architecture,  history  of  transporta- 
tion, etc.  President  Gilman  summarizes  them  as  “a  thicket  of  ologies. ” 
‘ ‘ Each  of  these  departments  is  placed  under  a curator,  and  is  provided 
with  the  necessary  appliances  for  original  research;  and  these  appliances 
are  yearly  increasing  in  completeness  and  efficiency.” 

It  will  be  noticed  that  these  make  not  the  least  approach  to  the  field 
of  knowledge  proposed  for  cultivation  by  the  Galleries  of  Ancient  History 
and  Art.  They  relate  to  explanations  of  modern  science,  and  the}'  draw 
exclusively  from  the  natural  sciences  as  exploited  on  the  American 
continent;  mechanical  and  scientific  attainments  of  modern  times.  To 
pursue  them  indefatigablv  is  the  nobly  important  technical  work  of  the 
Smithsonian  Institution.  American  archaeology  is  its  specialty. 

For  objective  instruction  in  these  departments  it  has  drawn  multitudes 
of  objects,  single  specimens  from  nature  and  the  practical  arts.  The 
National  Museum  perfectly  illustrates  the  definition  of  its  late  Professor 
Goode,  ‘‘a  collection  of  instructive  labels,  each  illustrated  by  a well- 
selected  specimen.” 

Were  the  able  professor  living  to  judge  of  the  scheme  of  the  National 
Galleries,  he  would  gladly  give  it  welcome  as  fulfilling  his  description 
of  the  want  (vide  Part  I,  p.  4)  ‘‘for  the  people’s  museum  of  the  future, 
much  more  than  a house  full  of  specimens  in  glass  cases;  a house  full 
of  ideas;  the  territory  lxetween  science  and  art;  the  natural  history  of 
cult  or  civilization  of  man,  his  ideas  and  achievements,  which  museums 
have  not  yet  learned  to  partition.” 


go 


DWELLINGS  OF  MANKIND — GARNIER. 


Collateral  with  the  above  specialties  of  great  popular  interest  would 
be  a reproduction  of  examples  of  the  habitations  of  men  in  all 
ages. 

The  idea  was  original  with  Viollet  le  Due  for  the  exposition  of  1889, 


No.  55. — Gamier.  A Roman  house.  Paris,  1889. 


and  was  executed  by  Monsieur  Gamier,  architect  of  the  National  Opera, 
Paris.  They  were  among  the  very  most  prominent  attractions  of  the 
fair.  Those  were  of  temporary  construction. 

For  a permanent  institution  they  would  be  upon  a larger  scale  and 


No.  56. — Gamier.  A Byzantine  house.  Paris,  1889. 


substantially  built.  They  should  have  a central  avenue  directly  to  the 
via  sacra  of  the  Galleries.  They  could  serve  both  to  exhibit  the 
domestic  environment  of  the  different  nations,  and  also  serve  as  resi- 
dences for  the  staff  of  administration. 


DWELLINGS  OF  MANKIND — GARNIER 


9r 


No.  57. — F.  W.  Smith,  architect.  Saracenic  design.  Evans,  pinxt. 


KM 

>1 

I 

■W'  1 

' 

L 

No.  58. — An  original  Chinese  house.  Paris,  1879. 


92 


A NATIONAL  AVENUE — HOMES  OF  THE  STATES. 


Speaker  Reed,  after  an  explanation  of  the  National  Galleries  enterprise 
in  the  House  of  Pansa,  Saratoga  Springs,  in  1896,  with  an  addition  of 
the  Park  Istoria  for  modern  illustrations,  gave  to  both  superlative  com- 
mendation (since  written,  Part  I)  and  said  that  “the  entire  tract  should 
be  taken  at  once  by  the  Government.” 

Annexed  are  two  of  Garnier’s  designs,  Roman,  Byzantine,  a Saracenic 
by  the  author,  and  an  original  Chinese,  presenting  the  striking  contrasts 
of  oriental  and  occidental  styles. 

The  plan  shows  sites  on  Seventeenth  street,  adjacent  to  the  State 
Department,  for  public  buildings,  and  other  large  areas  for  future 
demand.  V.  page  103. 

Ninth  Aggrandizement. 

A National  Avenue  the  northern  boundary  of  the  Park  Istoria— five  thou- 
sand feet  in  length , ranged  with  forty-five  Homes  of  the  States. 

For  this  admirable  suggestion  credit  is  due  to  a published  letter ' pro- 
posing that  the  buildings  of  the  States  in  Chicago  be  rebuilt  substantially 
in  Washington  as  their  respective  ownership.  The  frontage  would  be 
assigned  proportionately  to  their  population,  and  in  the  order  of  their 
accession  to  the  Union.  For  the  United  States  to  give  the  lots  would  be 
simply  an  exact  division  of  the  people’s  property  to  themselves. 

Now,  in  the  supposed  possession  by  Government  of  the  line  between 
E and  P'  streets  the  most  admirable  opportunity  is  provided  for  realizing 
the  happy  thought.  The  tract  would  measure  5,000  feet  in  length  by, 
say,  250  feet  in  depth. 

All  the  houses  built  by  the  States  at  Chicago  are  here  pictured.  Of 
course  sites  would  l>e  assigned  proportionally  to  all  States  and  Territories. 
The  range  of  5,000  feet  would  be  ample  for  all.  Let  it  be  apportioned  in 
frontage  according  to  the  different  States  for  welcome  resorts  of  their 
citizens  in  Washington.  If  sold  the  cost  of  the  northern  tract,  5,000  by 
250  feet,  along  the  whole  line  of  the  Gallery  tract  would  return  to  the 
United  States  Treasury. 

Here  the  natural  questions  would  rise,  “ For  what  use?  What  would 
they  do  with  them?”  Imagine  the  Galleries  in  the  frontispiece  built 
along  the  avenue. 

Notice  crowds  that  come  now,  frequently,  of  excursionists  from  Brook- 
lyn, Ohio,  and  elsewhere  to  Washington.  Note  particularly  that  they 
are  teachers,  students  at  normal  schools  who  are  to  become  teachers,  or 
advanced  pupils.  They  come  less  for  diversion  than  for  the  acquisition 
of  knowledge.  Instances  are  cited:  During  the  past  season  senior 
classes  of  the  three  great  normal  schools  of  Pennsylvania  came  to  Wash- 
ington with  their  principals.  The  first  one  had  about  made  a round 
of  public  sights  before  they  had  heard  of  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients. 
The}'  did  hear  of  them  just  in  time  to  rush  in  the  last  evening  of  their 

1 The  writer’s  name  was  sought  in  vain  by  the  author. 


HOMES  OF  THE  STATES  ON  NATIONAL  AVENUE,  WASHINGTON. 


93 


•— 5°  feet.  No.  63.— Massachusetts— 150  feet.  No.  64.— Maryland— 75  feet. 


HOMES  OF  THE  STATES  ON  NATIONAL  AVENUE.  WASHINGTON. 


94 


No.  6S.— Vermont— 50  feet.  No.  69.— Kentucky— 100  feet.  No.  70.—  Ohio— 175  feet. 


HOMES  OF  THE  STATES  OX  NATIONAL  AVENUE,  WASHINGTON. 


No.  74. — Missouri — 75  feet.  No.  75. — Arkansas — 75  feet.  No.  76. — Michigan — 125  feet. 


HOMES  OF  THE  STATES  ON  NATIONAL  AVENUE,  WASHINGTON. 


No.  80.— Wisconsin—  75  feet.  No.  81. — California — 75  feet.  No.  tj*. — Minnesota — 100  feet. 


HOMES  OF  THE  STATES  ON  NATIONAL  AVENUE,  WASHINGTON. 


7 


97 


No.  86.— Colorado— 75  feet.  No.  87.— South  Dakota— 50  feet.  No.  88.— North  Dakota— 50  feet. 


HOMES  OF  THE  STATES  ON  NATIONAL  AVENUE,  WASHINGTON. 


No.  92. — Utah — 50  feet.  No.  93. — Joint  Territorial,  Ariz.,  N.  Me*.,  Okla. — 75  feet.  No.  94. — The  caravels  of  Columbus  at  Chicago. 


A NATIONAL  AVENUE — HOMES  OF  TIIE  STATES. 


99 


No.  95. — New  York— 225  feet. 


4* 


.3ui 


No.  96. — Illinois — 200  feet. 

Sites  assigned  in  order  (from  Seventeenth  street  westward)  of  their  accession  to  the  Union. 
Areas  in  width  of  frontage  according  to  ratio  of  population. 


IOO 


SCHOOLS  IN  THE  HALLS  OF  THE  ANCIENTS. 


Stay.  Their  visit  was  of  superlative  satisfaction.  Witness  the  follow- 
ing letters: 

State  Normal  School, 
Bloomsburg , Pa. , January  6,  /goo. 

Sir:  The  visit  a large  number  of  our  students  made  to  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients, 
on  the  occasion  of  our  recent  excursion  to  your  city,  has  left  a pleasant  and  valuable 
memory  with  them.  It  is  much  talked  of  as  one  of  the  best  incidents  of  our  excur- 
sion. You  will  see  us  again  next  year. 

Very  truly,  j.  p.  Welsh,  JYincipal. 

Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith, 

Washington,  I).  C. 


First  Pennsylvania  State  Normal  School, 

December  /j,  iSgg. 

Dear  Mr.  Smith:  Your  favor  of  the  9th  instant  is  received.  Those  of  us  who 
visited  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients  were  delighted  with  the  evening  we  spent  there. 
Our  school  will  not  have  another  excursion  to  Washington  before  next  fall,  but  I 
feel  sure  that  when  we  visit  Washington  again  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients  will  be  in 
our  itinerary.  We  will  all  want  to  spend  a full  evening  with  you. 

Very  truly,  yours, 


Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith, 

Washington , D.  C. 


J.  W.  Lansinger. 


Washington  College  (Young  Ladies), 

Washington,  D.  C.,  January  j/,  /goo. 

My  Dear  Sir:  Permit  me  to  give  my  unreserved  indorsement  to  the  Halls  of  the 
Ancients.  Educationally  this  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  and  attractive  places 
in  or  about  the  national  capital. 

Our  teachers  find  frequent  occasion  to  visit  the  Halls,  and  from  these  visits  declare 
inspiration  and  profit  derived.  More  than  once  have  our  young  ladies  been 
delighted  with  an  evening  in  these  Halls. 

Object  lessons,  lessons  in  history,  art,  architecture,  etc.,  received  here  can  not  be 
overestimated.  We  seem  to  see  and  feel  and  breathe  with  the  ancients  as  the  scenes 
of  these  magnificent  Halls  are  looked  upon  and  the  accompanying  superb  lectures 
are  heard. 

Very  sincerely,  yours,  F.  MENEFEE. 

Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith. 

Again,  last  week,  a private  school  returned,  after  many  previous 
visits.  Three  of  the  young  ladies  returned  for  information.  They 
wanted  to  know  the  size  of  the  openings  for  entrance  into  the  central 
vault  of  the  great  Pyramid,  for  their  school  journal. 

These  are  incidents  illustrative  and  prophetic.  The)'  are  recalled  as 
a direct  answer  to  the  question,  “ What  will  the  States  want  of  homes 
in  Washington?” 

Fig.,  p.  29,  Part  I,  was  taken  while  the  curator  of  the  Halls  was  in 
Russia,  in  1898,  by  the  agent  of  the  Government,  expressly  for  the 
Paris  Exposition.  A class  from  the  Washington  school  is  at  study 
in  the  Roman  House.  Another  was  taken  of  a class  in  the  Assyrian 


A SCHOOL  AT  STUDY  IN  THE  ASSYRIAN  THRONE  ROOM. 


IOI 


Hall  (Fig.  94).  Two  thousand  can  circulate  for  study  at  a time  in  the 
Halls  of  the  Ancients.  They  have  been  built  as  “ a shadow  of  good  things 
to  come.”  Imagine  the  eight  courts,  each  covering  with  the  Galleries 
about  6 acres  of  ground.  Imagine  each  with  a circuit  of  about  3,000 
feet  range  of  historical  paintings.  One  in  the  Halls  of  Roman  History 
is  50  feet  in  length  and  three  are  10  feet,  making  in  all  80  feet. 

Imagine  the  courts  filled  with  the  constructions  of  each  nationality  as 
hereinbefore  pictured  and  described.  When  this  picture  is  materialized 
the  hundreds  of  excursionists  will  be  thousands. 

How  can  they  receive  the  instruction  they  seek? 

This  plan  for  homes  of  the  States  relieves  the  scheme  of  the  Galleries 


No.  9’/. — Class  from  Washington  High  School  at  study  in  the  Assyrian  Throne  Room  of  the  Halls  of 
the  Ancients.  Photo,  for  the  United  States  educational  exhibit  at  the  Paris  Exposition  of  1900. 


of  possibly  the  chief  prospective  objection  at  debate  in  Congress,  viz, 
How  is  the  institution  to  be  maintained  in  equipment  of  instructors? 

To  be  fully  effective  in  its  aim,  the  text-book  must  be  unfolded  and 
illumined  by  speaking  interpreters.  It  may  be  argued  that  personal 
instruction  is  not  the  task  of  the  General  Government.  It  has  supplied 
great  material  in  Washington  for  analysis  and  elucidation  by  eminent 
scholarship.  It  does  not  undertake  to  expound  it  to  the  people.  Pre- 
cisely this  will  be  the  status  of  the  National  Galleries  of  History  and 
Art — a vast  Institute  of  Illustration.  Upon  their  scale  no  repetition 
elsewhere  can  be  anticipated.  There  is  but  one  place  for  them — the 
capital. 


102 


HOMES  OF  THE  STATES. 


Let  them  be  erected  under  the  auspices  of  the  General  Government, 
aided  it  may  be  by  contributions  from  the  States  and  doubtless  more 
largely  by  private  liberality.  Let  them  be  guarded  and  kept  in  condi- 
tion by  the  authorities  of  the  metropolis  which  is  enriched  by  their  pos- 
session, who  will  open  their  doors  to  the  world,  for  Europe  will  then 
come  to  America  for  lessons,  as  the  School  of  Fine  Arts  in  Paris  sends 
its  pupils  to  the  Prix  de  Rome,  and  as  classic  students  of  England, 
France,  Germany,  and  the  United  States  go  for  two  years  to  their 
respective  schools  in  Athens.  The  United  States  will  have  no  further 
expense  or  care  in  provision  for  the  people  than  with  the  present  National 
Museum — simply  to  open  its  doors  to  them.  Let  the  States  send  their 
instructors  to  meet  their  people  at  the  gates.  Then  the  principle  of 
education  of  the  people  by  the  people  will  lie  perfectly  applied,  for  they 
have  sent  in  advance  their  chosen  instructors.  Teachers,  scholars,  all, 
will  gather  fruits  raised  by  their  own  gardeners  and  enjoy  them  in  the 
comfort  of  their  own  delightful  pavilions. 

The  National  Avenue  of  State  Homes  over  against  the  Galleries 
will  be  the  consummation  of  their  value  and  beneficence.  There  will  be 
45  reading  rooms — more  with  more  States.  At  an  average  of  200 
seats  in  each  home,  10,000  visitors  will  have  at  a time  luxurious  rest 
and  accommodation.  Within  ten  years  10,000  at  a time  will  demand  it. 
They  come  by  hundreds  now  to  see  the  Library  as  a new  wonder. 
When  educational  trains  are  organized  by  law  (as  parliamentary  trains 
for  the  workpeople  were  in  England)  more  than  ever  all  roads  will  lead 
to  Washington,  as  anciently  to  Rome. 

The  40  acres  of  galleries  and  courts  under  cover  or  inclosed  will  give 
25  square  feet  each  to  the  10,000  who  will  throng  them  at  inaugurations. 

Again,  the  students,  when  curiosity  has  wakened  inquiry  for  knowl- 
edge eager  to  be  satisfied  at  once,  will  need  reference  books.  The 
Congressional  Library  will  be  a mile  away.  Its  one  or  two  hundred 
readers  might  have  them  in  use.  At  hand,  in  the  Homes,  there  would 
be  45  sets  complete,  to  be  used  of  right  by  those  who  are  fractionally 
their  owners. 

There  will  be  45  reading  and  writing  rooms;  45  sets  of  home  news- 
papers; 45  bureaus  of  information,  and  halls  of  social  converse  and 
business  appointment. 

Visitors  now  come  to  see  the  new  Library.  They  will  come  to  stay  in 
the  Galleries. 

The  necessity  is  apparent  for  extensive,  comfortable,  and  economical 
accommodations  for  comers  to  the  Galleries  for  prolonged  stay  in  vaca- 
tion. Open  amphitheaters  are  provided  for  them  in  the  courts.  Adjacent 
open-air  and  covered  restaurants  and  apartments  would  be  demanded. 

The  design,  Fig.  99,  is  well  adapted  for  such  use. 


k>3 


G,  American  Galleries,  with  Hall  of  Fame,  on  the  Potomac;  H,  I,  J,  K,  L,  M,  N.O,  galleries  and  courts  of  history  and  art.  1 he  via  sacra 
ascends  the  Acropolis,  adjoining  on  the  east,  it  passes  through  the  avenue  of  the  dwellings  of  mankind,  which  is  between  large  areas  for 
the  Smithsonian  or  other  institutions.  At  the  east,  opposite  the  Executive  grounds,  are  large  blocks  for  public  buildings.  Southward 
ioo  acres  can  be  raised  to  the  same  grade  from  the  flats. 


A design  lor  a National  Pavilion,  adjacent  to  Homes  of  the  States  on  National  avenue,  to  contain  restaurants,  open-air 
and  covered,  halls,  apartments,  and  a roof  garden.  It  is  largely  of  glass,  with  casements  to  be  closed  for  warmth  in 
winter  and  open  for  pure  air  in  summer  through  Venetian  blinds. 


104 


HOMES  OF  THE  STATES. 


No.  99— A NATIONAL  PAVILION. 


TENTH  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


105 


What  does  this  promise  for  Washington?  What — to  house  and  feed 
them? 1 

A far  more  elevating  inquiry  is,  What  does  this  picture  mean  for  an 
increase  of  knowledge  throughout  our  country  and  of  benefit  in  result? 
What  for  fireside  reports  on  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  the  Pacific,  and  the 
Kennebec  of  the  wonders  not  only  of  modern  Washington,  but  of  Rome, 
Athens,  and  Palmyra? 

These  considerations  make  reasonable  the  expectation  that  States 
will  contribute  to  the  Galleries.  The  writer  has  confidence  that  his 
own,  Massachusetts,  will  set  the  example,  as  she  has  so  effectively  for 
the  universal  establishment  of  town  libraries.2 

Tenth  Aggrandizement. 

Protection  and  beauty  for  the  banks  of  the  Potomac — terraces  and  river 

boulevards. 

Extracts  to  follow,  from  reports  of  the  Massachusetts  Metropolitan 
Board  of  Park  Commissioners,  with  map  appended,  will  demonstrate  the 
crucial  importance  of  protection  of  the  banks  of  the  Potomac  River  as 
affecting  the  health  and  lives  of  the  population  of  Washington. 

Their  action  for  this  imperative  necessity  has  been  combined  with 
delightful  effects  of  rural  beauty. 

Compulsion  following  the  late  repulsive  experience  of  muddy  drinking 
water  has  already  forced  consideration  of  the  problems  involved. 

But  there  is  a field  for  enterprise  with  abundant  compensation  beyond 
the  sanitary  measures  demanded.  The  flowing  river  must  have  its 
banks  adorned.  It  must  be  made  a charm  beyond  a mere  geographical 
fact.  It  must  be  terraced  with  vines  and  shrubbery.  On  hillsides  like 
those  of  the  Rhine  ownership  of  its  banks  must  pass  to  Government 
control,  and  they  must  be  bordered  with  shaded  boulevards.  (See  chart 
from  Park  Commission  of  Massachusetts,  showing  their  control  by  con- 
demnation of  the  banks  of  the  Mystic  River  that  flows  into  Boston  har- 
bor. They  likewise  condemned  the  banks  of  Charles  River. 

' It  is  repellent  to  place  in  such  connection  the  mercenary  advantages  that  would 
result.  We  will  leave  to  the  financier  and  investor  calculations  as  to  the  pecuniarv 
result  to  real-estate  owners  in  Washington,  and  holders  of  securities  upon  railroads 
diverging  therefrom,  when  Washington  shall  have  become  “both  the  Berlin  and 
Paris  of  America,”  in  its  attraction  thither  of  thousands  of  resident  scholars  and 
students  by  the  unequaled  advantages  of  its  National  Galleries  when  many  more 
thousands  shall  flow  to  it  from  all  sections  of  the  country,  as  the  richest  center  of 
the  world  for  practical  and  diversified  object  illustration. 

Transportation  companies,  land  holders,  tradesmen  may  readily  figure  that  they 
will  receive  in  return  more  than  the  interest  of  the  investment. 

The  enormous  advance  in  Washington  real  estate  the  last  ten  years  is  a basis  for 
prophecy  of  the  future. 

In  i860  its  population  was  61.122.  In  1890,  220,000;  1900,  probably  300,000. 

“Reply  from  Bureau  of  Education,  April  27, 1900.  “In  reply  to  yours  of  April  26, 
the  following  information  is  from  ‘The  Public  Libraries  of  Massachusetts,  1899,’ 
Towns  without  libraries  are  in  all  7,  with  population  of  10,970  from  2,250,000.” 


Mystic  River. 


106 


NATIONAL  CONTROL  OF  THE  RIVER  BANKS. 


CONTROL  OF  RIVER  BANKS  AS  BOULEVARDS. 


107 


EXTRACTS  FROM  REPORTS  OF  THE  MASSACHUSETTS  METROPOLITAN 

PARK  COMMISSION,  1 893. 

The  question  of  the  proper  treatment  of  the  Charles  River  so  as  best 
to  serve  the  interests  of  the  entire  community  is  a problem  of  the  greatest 
importance,  involving  matters  both  of  recreation  and  of  grave  sanitary 
import.  The  river,  for  a large  part  of  its  course,  flows  through  the  cen- 
ter of  the  population  of  the  metropolitan  district.  The  question  of  how 
to  protect  it  from  pollution  has  lately  come  to  the  front.  In  its  lower 
reaches,  particularly,  the  unsanitary  condition  of  its  flats  and  its  shores 
has  made  it  a serious  nuisance  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  neighboring  cities 
and  towns. 

The  sewage  of  the  cities  of  Cambridge  and  a portion  of  Somerville  and 
of  a greater  part  of  the  Charlestown  district  of  Boston,  together  with  a 
portion  of  the  Back  Bay  and  Brighton  districts,  now  flows  into  the  river, 
and  the  sedimentary  deposit  thus  left  upon  the  flats  causes  most  offensive 
nuisances  all  the  way  from  Watertown  along  the  tidal  portion  of  the 
stream  down  to  deep  water. 

It  should  be  remembered,  however,  that  the  getting  rid  of  this  the 
most  serious  element  in  the  river’s  contamination  is  a question  of  but  a 
very  short  time,  for  on  the  completion  of  the  metropolitan  sewerage 
system,  now  well  under  way,  all  this  sewage  will  be  carried  out  to  deep 
water,  far  out  in  the  bay,  leaving  the  tidal  flow  in  the  river  free  from 
further  danger  of  pollution.  Along  here,  therefore,  there  would  only 
be  the  deposits  already  existing  upon  the  flats  and  banks  to  be  looked 
after,  together  with  the  pollution  that  comes  from  farther  up  the  stream. 
There  remains,  however,  the  pollution  from  factories  and  other  sources 
from  the  various  communities  bordering  the  river  from  Milford  down. 

But  with  all  these  sources  of  contamination  eliminated  there  yet 
remains  one  of  the  greatest  menaces  to  public  health,  and  that  is  the 
malarial  troubles  which  have  arisen  in  the  valley  of  the  river  within  the 
past  decade. 

Malaria  was  previously  unknown  in  this  portion  of  New  England,  but 
the  trouble  has  been  gradually  creeping  this  way  from  the  westward  and 
southward  until  its  germs  now  appear  to  be  well  established  in  various 
sections  of  the  country  around  Boston,  particularly  in  the  valley  of  the 
Charles  River,  where  it  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  serious  of  evils. 
It  hardly  need  be  said  that  too  decisive  and  radical  measures  can  not  be 
taken  to  remove  this  danger,  which,  if  allowed  to  establish  itself  perma- 
nently, will  prove  a fearful  detriment  to  the  various  cities  and  towns 
which  it  afflicts,  the  possible  damage  from  which  is  beyond  estimate. 

It  is  evident,  therefore,  that  the  earliest  precautions  are  needed  to 
guard  against  this  danger.  While  the  causes  of  malarial  disease  do  not 
yet  appear  to  be  definitely  known,  it  seems  to  be  pretty  generally  agreed 
that  a main  source  of  the  trouble  lies  in  improperly  drained  soils,  and 


ioS 


control  of  river  banks. 


that  the  germs  of  the  malady  originate  in  the  lotv  and  damp  lands  of 
river  borders  and  swamps,  whence  they  are  carried  by  prevailing  winds 
to  neighboring  uplands,  where,  although  the  immediate  conditions  of 
the  soil  may  be  sanitary,  the  residents  appear  to  suffer  to  the  greatest 
extent.  The  changes  of  a season  in  the  level  of  bodies  of  fresh  water, 
the  exposure  of  flats  and  swamps  covered  at  higher  stages  to  the  sun 
and  warm  winds  of  summer,  and  the  consequent  decay  of  vegetable 
matter  are  believed  to  aggravate,  if  not  cause,  the  malady. 

Merely  keeping  the  pollution  out  of  a stream,  therefore,  does  not 
reach  the  seat  of  this  most  serious  trouble.  The  banks  of  the  stream 
must  be  brought  completely  under  public  control,  for  only  in  this  way 
can  their  sanitary  character  be  properly  assured.  For  instance,  growing 
vegetation,  and  particularly  a tree  covering,  is  believed  to  do  much 
toward  diminishing  malarial  infection  through  the  offices  which  vegetable 
growth  performs  in  eliminating  noxious  elements  from  the  soil  and 
water.  Such  a growth  can  best  be  assured  only  by  the  comprehensive 
and  well-considered  methods  of  treatment  which  are  possible  only  under 
a public  ownership,  and  to  this  end  the  entire  banks  of  a stream  ought 
to  be  in  charge  of  one  central  authority. 

The  recreative  value  of  a river  like  the  Charles  is  also  a matter  of 
great  importance  to  a large  community  like  that  inhabiting  the  metro- 
politan district.  The  stretch  of  the  river,  for  instance,  between  River- 
side station  in  Newton  and  the  city  of  Waltham  is  one  of  the  great 
metropolitan  pleasure  grounds  of  Boston.  Something  over  eight  hun- 
dred pleasure  craft  of  various  kinds  are  kept  on  this  section  of  the  Charles 
alone.  It  is  frequented  by  thousands  throughout  the  summer  for  row- 
ing, canoeing,  and  other  forms  of  aquatic  recreation,  and  it  presents  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  and  attractive  sights  in  the  country,  with  its  irregu- 
lar shores  covered  for  the  most  part  with  trees  and  shrubbery,  varied  at 
intervals  by  lawns  and  handsome  houses  and  long,  calm  reaches  of  water, 
now  spread  out  into  lake-like  expanses  and  now  contracted  into  narrow 
channels,  covered  with  hundreds  of  canoes  and  other  craft  gliding  swiftly 
up  and  down  the  stream. 

The  extent  to  which  water  recreation  of  this  character  serves  a great 
metropolitan  population  is  exemplified  by  the  use  made  of  the  Thames 
above  London,  where  there  are  thousands  of  licensed  pleasure  craft  of 
various  kinds. 

The  Charles  River  is  capable  of  similar  utilization  throughout  its 
metropolitan  course,  and  it  thus  would  not  only  greatly  promote  the 
welfare  of  the  people  by  affording  one  of  the  most  healthful  means  of 
recreation,  but  the  attractiveness  of  the  stream  would  also  add  enor- 
mously to  the  value  of  the  surrounding  land.  For  the  proper  conserva- 
tion of  a stream  having  the  character  of  the  Charles,  the  amount  of  land 
necessary  to  be  taken  would  be  governed  by  local  circumstances,  more 
being  required  in  one  place  and  less  in  another.  Anyone  familiar  with 


CONTROL  OF  RIVER  BANKS. 


109 


what  has  been  done  by  German  communities  along  the  banks  of  their 
rivers  in  the  beautiful  Aulagen,  almost  universally  existing  in  such 
localities  in  that  country,  will  see  that  at  many  places  all  that  is  needed 
to  meet  the  purpose  is  to  secure  a strip  of  but  a few  rods  in  width  along 
the  banks,  providing  perhaps  no  more  than  a footway,  and  creating  a 
feature  of  remarkable  beauty  at  slight  expense.  The  interference  with 
present  occupancy  of  the  banks,  where  such  occupancy  is  of  an  inof- 
fensive nature,  need  for  the  most  part  be  but  very  slight.  But  the  main 
thing  is  to  assure  the  permanent  good  character  of  such  occupancy;  and 
the  passing  of  a strip  of  the  shore  into  the  hands  of  the  public  will 
prove  a benefit  not  only  to  the  community  in  general,  but  also  to  the 
abutters  in  particular,  saving  them  from  the  danger  of  the  intrusion  of 
undesirable  features  into  their  neighborhood  and  the  destruction  of 
present  elements  of  marked  attractiveness. 

Eleventh  Aggrandizement. 

A transformation  of  Analostan  Island  to  an  I sola  Bella. 


No.  101. — Isola  Bella,  the  beautiful  island  gem  of  the  Italian  Lakes,  contains  eight  terraced  gardens, 
one  above  the  other,  with  fountains,  forest  trees,  and  a noble  palace  of  the  17th  century.  In 
subterranean  apartments  are  grottoes  with  statuary,  fountains,  etc. 

Directly  in  the  foreground  of  the  view  across  the  river  to  Arlington 
is  the  low,  marshy  island  of  Analostan. 

Some  millionaire  holds  in  his  hand  the  wand  for  its  fairy-like  trans- 
formation that  would  be  a joy  in  prosecution  to  a man  of  culture  and 
to  the  rest  of  mankind  for  all  time. 


I IO 


CONTROL  OF  RIVER  BANKS. 


Let  him  pile  upon  it  one  or  two  Virginia  hills.  Terrace  its  banks 
with  walls.  Adorn  them  with  gardens  in  Italian  style,  with  classic 
peristyles,  balustrades,  etc.  Cast  up  a model  of  a Chaldean  tower  with 
ramps  to  its  summit.  At  different  levels  plant  upon  the  walls  vines 
that  shall  hang  pendent  from  them,  resurrecting  the  hanging  gardens  of 
Babylon.  Enrich  the  gardens  with  a pergola  (Fig.  105),  and  with  its 
indoor  counterpart  a peristylium  (Fig.  106)  as  a sal/e  de fete. 

Plant  a maze  precisely  after  the  plan  of  that  left  in  the  Grafhtti  on 
the  walls  of  Pompeii.1  Reconstruct  a Roman  bath,  counterpart  of  that  of 
the  time  of  Christ  uncovered  from  l>eneath  the  houses  in  Bath,  England, 
or  from  those  at  Baden-weiler,  in  the  Black  Forest.  A section  of  a Roman 


columbarium  with  its  niches  filled  with  casts  of  the  most  beautiful  cinerary 
urns  of  the  Vatican;  set  up  specimens  of  the  Roman  masonry  in  original 
pozznlana,  etc.,  imported  for  the  purpose;  pave  a lovely  inclosed  court 
with  a replica  of  the  mosaic  pavement  in  the  Villa  of  Diomed,  etc. 

Build  in  reconstruction  an  Italian  palace  around  a court  of  galleries 
with  columns,  the  design  of  Raphael  (Fig.  — ) or  of  Fig.  106,  mold 
it  in  concrete.  It  would  be  inexpensive,  with  an  interior  of  eight  large 
halls  in  connection.  Decorate  one  floor  with  The  Birds  of  America;  The 
Trees  of  America;  The  Fruits  of  America;  The  Bread  Plants  of  America. 
The  second  floor  series,  The  Story  of  the  Plow;  The  Story  of  the  Book; 
The  Story  of  the  Mine;  The  Story  of  the  Ship. 

Illustrate  the  realistic  style  for  practical  educational  effect  descrilied  in 

' Facsimile  is  to  be  seen  from  which  Fig.  102  is  taken  in  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients. 
“There  is  nothing  new  under  the  sun.” 


c hMi 


No.  102. — From  Graffiti  on  tbe  walls  of  Pompeii. 


CONTROL  OF  RIVER  BANKS. 


1 1 I 


Addenda  No.  2,  Part  II,  omitting  all  effort  at  symbolism,  allegory,  and 
romance;  painting  things  as  they  are,  without  substitution  of  the  seminude 
human  form  to  be  interpreted  as  agriculture,  as  literature,  as  geology, 
as  commerce,  etc. 

Let  this  palace  be  festooned  with  the  Ampelopsis,  not  covered,  but 
revealing  its  architectural  beauty,  sufficiently  to  combine  with  the  love- 
liness of  foliage  which  environs  it,  and  as  though  nature  would  add  its 
embrace  to  its  beautiful  form. 

Illustrate  in  its  grounds  the  handicraft  of  the  ages  in  full  sized  concrete 
models  of  Stonehenge,  Etrurian  tombs,  Tiryns  and  Mycense,  the  prim- 
itive architecture  of  Greece,  the  Catacombs.  Then  above  the  box  and 
the  myrtle,  the  classic  cypress  and  cedar,  which  will  top  the  highest 


No.  103. — Primitive  Greek  architecture — the  gate  at  No.  104. — Primitive  Greek  architecture — the  Gallery 
Mycense.  of  Tiryns,  the  early  arch. 


ascent  he  has  created,  must  later  appear  a counterpart  of  Potnpey’s  Pillar, 
bearing  the  statue  of  Mr.  Wiseman,  who  knew  how  to  use  his  money  for 
the  delight  of  his  race  and  himself. 

The  pervading  impulse  of  this  ideal  will  be  recognized.  It  is  to  environ 
impressive  object  lessons  from  antiquity — in  annex  to  the  National  Gal- 
leries— with  the  combined  charms  of  Nature  and  Art. 

This  vision  of  an  Isola  Bella  presupposes  a previous  renovation  of  the 
banks  of  the  Potomac  opposite  the  island.  On  the  north  side  of  Aque- 
duct Bridge  there  is  exquisite  river  scenery.  On  the  east  side  south, 
utmost  shabbiness,  sheds,  shops,  rubbishy  yards,  beach,  etc. 

In  Europe  river  banks  are  made  ornamental  with  trees  and  kept  tidy, 
although  they  may  be  landing  places  for  merchandise,  etc. 

The  picture  has  not  been  sketched  for  a Government  undertaking. 
The  island  is  a very  conspicuous,  unkempt  tract  directly  in  the  river 
scenery  before  Arlington. 

Its  improvement  after  one  of  the  most  exquisite  and  famous  examples 
may  be  the  good  fortune  of  a literal  man  of  culture. 


112 


CEMENT  CONCRETE  CONSTRUCTION. 


S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  3- 


ITALIAN’  PALACES. 


I 14 

He  would  gratify  a high  sesthetic  taste  and  combine  beauty  with 
instruction  for  the  benefit  of  the  millions  after  him  who  should  stand  on 
the  banks  oT  the  Potomac. 


No.  107. — Palace  designed  by  RafTaele  Sanzio,  in  Rome. 


No.  108.— The  Tursi  Doria  Palace.  Genoa,  raised  upon  a substructure  of  the  Palace  of  Capravola. 
Designed  by  Vignola.  A grand  elevation  for  an  Isola  Bella 


Fig.  106  would  grandly  center  the  picturesque  dream  we  have  con- 
jured. If  built  around  a square  court  displaying  four  equal  facades  it 
would  be  a marvel  of  stateliness  and  grace  lifted  above  the  cypresses  and 
cedars  that  embower  its  classic  lines. 


RESTORATION  OF  A PRETORIAN  CAMP. 


115 


No.  109. — Restoration  of  the  Roman  camp  on  the  Saalberg,  near  Hamburg,  Germany,  by  the 

Emperor  William. 


The  transformation  of  Analosta.n  Island  to  an  I sola  Bella. 


No.  no. -Italian  gardens  of  Mr.  Hollis  Hunnewell,  I.ake  Waban,  Wellesley,  Mass. 


1 16 


BUILDINGS  IN  TERRACES. 


Twelfth  Aggrandizement. 

Condemnation  of  land  in  South  Washington  for  enlargement  of  the  park. 

The  Draconian  law  against  diminution  of  park  areas  for  building 
should  enforce  the  Swiss  or  Japanese  edict  reported,  that  he  who  fells  a 
tree  must  plant  two  in  its  place. 

We  have  proposed  to  take  a strip  of  Potomac  Park,  now  veritably 
Potomac  flats,  for  Government  buildings. 

The  loss  of  park  area  should  be  more  than  made  good  by  condemna- 
tion now,  while  they  are  cheap,  of  lands  in  South  Washington.  Proba- 
bly this  would  be  an  early  stroke  of  the  Park  Commission. 

It  would  be  of  great  gain  if  blocks  or  reservations  C and  D,  on 
Maine  avenue,  now  in  occupation  of  mechanical  yards,  and  stables, 
could  be  condemned  and,  being  added  to  the  park,  carry  its  easterly  line 
to  the  southwest  corner  of  the  Capitol  grounds.  The  Botanic  Gardev 


No.  hi. — Royal  Crescent,  Bath,  England. 


and  the  other  park  area  between  Third  and  Sixth  streets  measure  east 
and  west  one-half  of  the  entire  length  of  the  Mall  between  Sixth  street 
and  the  Potomac. 

This  operation  would  be  surely  profitable,  for  the  lands  would  be 
resold  with  plans  prescribed.  The  lines  should  not  be  rigidly  straight, 
as  are  all  the  streets.  They  could  be  on  crescents.  Whether  for  high 
or  medium  class  tenantry,  the  facades  of  the  houses  could  be  combined 
in  terraces,  adding  to  their  beauty  and  consequent  salability.  With 
park  frontage,  the  land  at  resale  would  pay  a profit.  The  gain  of  area 
of  lands  now  of  small  value,  southward  to  the  railroad  tracks,  to  be 
screened  by  ornamental  buildings  as  above  suggested,  is  shown  by  plan 
annexed  (Fig.  hi). 


FINAL  PLAN  SHOWING  CONDEMNATIONS. 


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Plan  in  fulfillment  of  condemnations  hereinbefore  proposed.  It  shows  great  gain  tor  sites  for  public  buildings,  say 
350  acres,  and  large  gain  to  the  Mall  and  park  grounds  on  the  south. 


THIRTEENTH  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


I l8 


Thirteenth  Aggrandizement. 

Final  completion  of  filling  of  all  flats  bordering  on  the  city. 

This  is  written  in  entire  ignorance  of  the  region  involved.  It  occurs 
to  memory  from  the  reported  recommendation  in  the  press  of  the  Busi- 
ness Men's  Association  for  the  covering  of  Anacostia  flats. 

If  lands  are  so  low  as  to  breed  malaria,  it  is  first  in  order  of  importance 
that  the  extinction  of  such  danger  to  the  health  of  the  people  should  be 
the  immediate  care  of  Government.  There  would  be  a gain  of  land  to 
be  sold. 

Here  again  the  example  of  Massachusetts  is  in  order. 


[From  the  Boston  Transcript.  April.  1900.] 

It  is  well  known  that  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  has  secured 
about  100  acres  of  flats  in  East  Boston  for  the  development  of  which  the 
legislature  has  under  consideration  an  appropriation  of  >500.000,  to  lie 
followed  by  other  and  larger  sums  if  the  enterprise  is  undertaken  in 
earnest. 

Few  people  are  aware  of  the  magnitude  of  the  Commonwealth's  deals 
in  real  estate  in  Boston — transactions  that  have  so  far  resulted  in  great 
profits,  not  only  directly  from  a money  point  of  view,  but  from  the  great 
values  that  have  been  added  to  the  property  of  the  State : also  in  the  shape 
of  taxes,  past,  present  and  future. 

One  of  these  transactions  has  been  completed,  and  the  extent  of  the 
direct  benefit  can  be  arrived  at.  This  refers  to  the  filling  of  the  Back 
Bay  district. 

In  1S56.  the  Commonwealth's  holdings  having  been  reduced  to  about 
10S  acres,  was  inaugurated  the  project  of  improving  the  Back  Bay,  but 
if  it  included  the  flats  in  Brookline  the  improvement  as  a whole  has 
not  yet  been  completed,  although  the  Commonwealth's  share  and  the 
large  area  in  its  vicinity  were  finished  years  ago.  The  financial  result 
of  the  Commonwealth's  operation  is  as  follows: 


Total  area  1 square  feet  1 

Diverted  to  streets  square  feet 

Donated  to  Boston,  etc 

Sold  for  cash.  49  per  cent  . . . . 


4.723.856 

2,  027, 0S3 

379-  976 
2,  316.  769 

4.  725.  856 


Cash  proceeds  of  sales 

Expense  of  tilling  and  sales 


#5.  0S4.  1 29 
1.641,924 


N cash  proceeds . 3.  442,  205 

Cash  value  of  donations S33,  439 


Total  net  proceeds 


4.  275.  644 


FOURTEENTH  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


119 


The  filling  cost  35  cents  per  square  foot. 

The  first  sale  by  the  State  was  made  in  1857,  and  the  land  in  question 
is  now  worth  more  than  ten  times  the  price  then  obtained.  The  average 
for  all  land  sold  was  $2. 19  a square  foot,  the  prices  ranging  from  $1. 16 yi 
to  $6.65  a square  foot.  The  Institute  of  Technology  received  as  a gift 
100,898  square  feet,  the  Natural  History  Society  43,840  square  feet — 
land  which  is  now  valued  at  alxnit  $2,000,000.  Commonwealth  avenue 
and  other  wide  streets  in  its  vicinity  are  witnesses  to  the  liberality  of  the 
State,  even  though  the  policy  adopted  proved  very  remunerative  to  the 
Commonwealth. 

[Then  follow  details  of  the  second  State  enterprise  on  the  same  plan  in 
South  Boston,  with  a profit  of  $2,000,000.  The  third  is  just  commenced, 
as  first  above  mentioned.] 

If  the  flats,  now  Potomac  Park,  and  others  still  unfilled  had  been 
finished  on  their  intended  ornamental  plans,  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  like 
profit  to  the  city  of  Washington.  The  gain  waits  only  upon  progress. 
Commonwealth  avenue  in  Boston,  over  200  feet  wide,  ranged  with 
costly  residences,  forever  to  be  unapproached  by  stores,  etc.,  now  covers 
what  was  tide-flowed  marsh  less  than  fifty  years  ago.  Beacon  street, 
Marlboro  street,  Newbury  and  Boylston  streets  are  parallel,  and  other 
equally  fine  residential  streets  are  at  right  angles  therewith,  making 
a solid  square  mile  of  restricted  residential  territory  owned,  occupied, 
and  under  taxation. 

Why  should  the  wild,  undeveloped  tract,  misnamed  Potomac  Park, 
remain  into  another  century,  incomplete — a drawback  to  rise  of  property 
in  its  vicinity  rather  than  a promotion  of  it? 

Fourteenth  Aggrandizement. 

“above  all  nations  is  humanity.’’ 

The  erection  of  charitable  institutions  prominently  upon  the  hilltops  of 

Anacostia. 

This  suggestion  is  the  result  of  visits  to  the  U.  S.  Hospital,  on 
Congress  Heights.  Recalling  the  scenic  grandeur  at  the  east,  of  the 
Capitol  dome,  and  of  those  proposed — a colonnade  on  the  north  and  an 
acropolis  of  memorial  temples  at  the  west — an  impulse  was  stirred  that 
the  hill  crests  at  the  south,  twice  the  elevation  of  the  Capitol,  should  lie 
crowned  against  the  horizon  with  like  dignity  of  constructions  consecrated 
tQ  humanity.  Then  Washington  would  be  encircled  by  monuments  of 
the  civilization  of  the  nation.  At  the  east  Law,  at  the  north  Govern- 
ment, at  the  west  Learning,  at  the  south  Humanity,  would  rear 
their  temples  as  for  presiding  genii  at  the  high  seats  of  the  people,  not 
before  the  throne  of  an  empire. 


I 20 


GRANDEUR  OF  LONDON  HOSPITALS 


No.  1 13. — Greenwich  Hospital,  London,  on  the  Thames. 


No.  114. — St.  Thomas  Hospitals,  opposite  the  Houses  of  Parliament,  Loudon. 


GOVERNMENT  HOSPITAL  FOR  THE  INSANE. 


1 2 1 


When  power  and  prosperity  demonstrate  pride  in  their  possession, 
regard  for  poverty  and  misery  should  be  made  not  less  visible.  England 
displays  the  stately  wards  of  vSt.  Thomas’s  Hospital  along  the  Thames, 
directly  before  the  Houses  of  Parliament.  The  classic  structures  of 
Greenwich  Hospital,  with  domes  above  a chapel  and  a hall,  stand  as 


conspicuously  upon  its  banks..  The  dome  of  the  Invalides,  in  Paris, 
rivals  that  of  the  Pantheon. 

The  distressful  condition  of  the  U.  S.  Hospital,  crowded  with  misery, 
demands  immediate  enlargement.  The  expenditure  should  not  be  with 
a grudging  meanness  to  be  recognized  by  unfortunates,  who  with 
dimmed  or  disordered  faculties  can  yet  discern  and  enjoy  beauty  and 


122 


CHEERFUL  CONSTRUCTIONS. 


comeliness.  Wards  of  a nation,  in  pitiful  deprivation,  the  glimmerings 
that  remain  of  their  faculties  should  be  greeted  by  cheering  and  pleasing 
aspects  within  their  restricted  range  of  vision. 

A few  evenings  since  the  writer  stood  upon  the  plateau  of  the  heights — 
Prospect  Point — enjoying  the  view  of  the  capital  encircled  by  hills  east, 
west,  and  north  beyond  the  river.  Upon  a seat  at  the  brow  of  the  hill 
were  two  men  apparently  i:i  the  prime  of  body  and  mind.  It  was  a sad 
falsity  of  appearance.  They  were  silent  as  they  gazed  upon  the  city 
listlessly  and  upward  to  the  skies.  The  thought  was  of  the  painful 
repulsion  to  their  remaining  consciousness  when  at  sunset  they  should 
turn  to  their  barrack-like  quarters  doubly  and  trebly  packed  in  unhealth- 
fulness. 

Then  it  was  resolved  to  seize  this  opportunity  for  appeal,  that  when 
new  constructions  are  added  to  the  asylum  they  shall  be  of  inviting, 
brilliant  exterior  for  future  occupants,  and  that  they  should  display 
plainly  an  intended  liberality: 

First,  to  furnish  attraction  and  diversion  beyond  mere  essentials  of 
being  alive  to  the  beneficiaries. 

Second,  to  exhibit  an  architectural  elegance  and  a monumental  promi- 
nence, in  proof  of  the  nation’s  liberality  both  toward  the  fortunate  and 
unfortunate;  the  strong  and  the  weak;  the  voting  makers  of  dignities 
and  those  incapacitated  for  any  sen-ice. 

The  following  design  is  an  effort  to  express  such  a puqjose.  It  is  an 
aggrandizement  of  Fig.  115. 

The  circular  open  portico  at  an  elevation  is  novel  and  attractive.  It 
would  be  a conspicuous  vis-a-vis  to  a Presidential  colonnade  on  the  hill- 
tops at  the  north.  The  preceding  architectural  suggestions  have  not 
approached  sculptural  decoration.  It  has  been  left  for  a luxury  of  the 
future.  In  this  instance  sympathy  craves  expression.  At  the  portals 
of  the  structure  are  two  groups.  The  one  may  well  be  of  the  good 
Samaritan,  the  other  a like  expression  of  compassion  or  of  the  benignant 
attainments  of  modern  science  for  alleviation  of  human  woe. 

Through  the  circular  colonnade  rises  a shaft.  The  grand  subject, 
indicated  for  inspiration  of  American  sculptors,  is  an  angel  of  mercy 
with  wings  folded  firmly,  resting  upon  a base.  Draperies  are  gently 
stirred  by  the  breeze.  One  arm  is  heavenward  in  hopefulness  and 
invocation.  A downcast  glance  follows  the  hand  spread  in  pitying 
beneficence. 

Such  employment  of  art  is  its  supreme  vocation.  When  in  the  future 
other  grand  adornments  shall  be  added  to  the  capital,  may  the  gentle 
virtues  and  graces  have  their  due  share  of  prominence  among  the 
trophies  of  war  and  conquest. 

The  writer  is  aware  of  the  late  preference  in  hospital  constructions  to 


123 


124 


AN  APPEAL  FOR  THE  INSANE. 

detached  structures  and  for  mental  disorders  even  to  cottage  domiciles. 
But  an  institution  that  counts  thousands  of  patients  must  include  many 
who  are  proper  occupants  for  any  premises.  Moreover,  a large  adminis- 
tration building  would  be  demanded.  It  should  dominate  the  entire 
group  in  dignity,  without  severity. 

The  above  was  written  after  personal  visits  to  the  asylum,  without 
anj’  information,  beyond  the  statement  of  the  physician  in  charge,  of  the 
pitifully  overcrowded  condition  of  the  buildings.  The  following  from 
the  Washington  Star  of  May  28,  1900,  shows  the  writer’s  impressions 
were  warranted : 


DECENT  CARE  OK  THE  INSANE. 


Congress  will  commit  an  almost  irreparable  mistake  if  it  fails  to  secure, 
before  the  close  of  the  present  session,  the  required  addition  to  the  present 
real  estate  holdings  of  the  Government  Hospital  for  the  Insane.  The  want 
of  proper  accommodations  for  the  inmates  now  there  makes  the  existing 
condition  of  things  absolutely  disgraceful,  and  as  the  number  to  be  pro- 
vided for  is  constantly  and  rapidly  increasing,  the  situation,  unless 
relieved  at  once,  must  soon  reach  the  proportions  of  a national  scandal. 
It  might  be  partially  improved,  temporarily,  it  is  true,  by  erecting  some 
new  buildings  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  road  from  the  general  estab- 
lishment, on  grounds  badly  needed  for  other  purposes;  but  in  a little 
while  the  problem  which  at  present  confronts  the  management  will  have 
to  be  met  again,  and  the  danger  is  that  then  it  will  be  too  late  to  acquire 
that  which  can  be  secured  now  on  better  terms  than  can  be  had  later  on, 
if,  indeed,  it  can  then  be  obtained  at  all. 

Government  should  do  in  the  premises  what  any  intelligent  business  firm 
or  a properly  managed  corporation  would  do  tinder  like  circumstances — 
provide  for  the  future  by  scat)  ing  in  advance  the  facilities  for  properly 
doing  that 'which  it  has  undertaken  to  do.1  Inasmuch  as  it  has  assumed 
the  duty  of  caring  for  its  insane  soldiers  and  sailors,  it  owes  it  to  itself 
and  to  them  that  they  shall  have  not  only  the  best  medical  skill  and 
care  attainable,  but  also  some  of  the  decent  comforts  and  accommoda- 
tions of  at  least  a humble  home.  These  things  they  do  not  now  enjoy 
and  can  not  have  without  an  immediate  and  material  enlargement  of  the 
present  housing  facilities  of  the  establishment,  and  this  can  only  lie  had 
by  the  acquisition  of  an  adjoining  and  well-adapted  tract  of  land. 

1 A proposition  applicable  to  all  plans  herein  set  forth  that  are  desirable  and 
practicable. 


FREE  MUNICIPAL  BATHS  FOR  WASHINGTON. 


125 


Fifteenth  Aggrandizement. 


Free  municipal  baths  for  Washington  upon  a scale,  proportional  to  popu- 
lation, equal  to  those  of  any  city. 


The  argument  for  bathing  facilities  for  people  in  cities  is  brief — axio- 
matic: More  cleanliness,  leas  disease!  More  baths,  less  hospitals! 

That  consideration  of  such  provision  for  Washington  is  an  immediate 
necessity  will  need  no  argument  after  an  inspection  of  the  bathing  sheds 
on  the  Potomac,  near  the  Monument.  A reply  from  the  commissioners 
on  this  subject  states  as  follows: 


Executive  Office, 

Commissioners  of  the  District  of  Columbia, 

Washington,  March  19, 1900. 


Mr.  Franklin  \V.  .Smith. 

Dear  Sir:  With  reference  to  your  inquiry  as  to  the  free  public  baths,  I have  to 
state  that  the  only  plant  of  that  character  in  the  District  is  located  on  the  tidal 
reservoir  to  the  west  of  the  Washington  Monument.  About  60,000  bathers  were 
accommodated  there  from  June  1 to  September  9 last,  about  6,000  of  whom  paid  for 
the  hire  of  the  suits  in  which  they  bathed,  which  was  practically  the  only  charge 
for  the  privileges  of  the  beach.  No  charge  is  made  to  bathers  who  bring  their  own 
suits.  The  charges  for  suits  were  15  cents  for  adults’  suits  and  10  cents  for  suits  for 
youths  under  16  years  old.  The  bath  houses  would  accommodate  perhaps  3,000 
bathers  each  day.  It  has  been  proposed  to  establish  a bathing  plant  in  the  inner 
basin,  which  is  an  arm  of  the  tidal  reservoir  on  which  the  present  beach  is  located. 
A bill  carrying  an  appropriation  of  515,000  has  been  introduced  to  effect  that  object. 
The  essential  design  of  this  new  basin  is  to  provide  a bathing  place  which  will  not 
be  subject  to  different  elevations  of  water  incident  to  the  fluctuations  of  the  tides. 

W.  Tindall,  Secretary. 


In  this  connection  extracts  from  the  history  of  the  system  of  free 
baths  in  Boston  from  “the  first  public  document  in  this  country  on  the 
subject  of  municipal  baths’’  will  be  interesting.  It  will  also  make  con- 
vincingly evident  that  the  one  new  bathing  establishment  proposed  for 
Washington  should  be  only  one  of  several,  and  that  $15,000  is  only  a 
small  fraction  of  reasonable  expenditure  for  the  purpose. 

For  the  entire  city,  with  the  Potomac  and  its  Eastern  Branch  giving 
miles  of  river  banks,  there  is  but  one  place  assigned  for  bathing  with 
shelter — none  for  South  Washington  or  Anacostia. 

The  contrast  of  this  condition  with  the  abounding  facilities  provided 
in  Boston,  which  from  its  more  northern  and  colder  location  has  less 
demand  for  them,  is  strongly  exhibited  by  the  map  annexed,  Fig.  117. 


N<>.  117— MAP  OF  MUNICIPAL  BATHS  IN  BOSTON. 


. MAlCI a>  BA/C 

K) 


XEYrcMAP 
fLCA7'lBB»W,  OLD 
NCW 

BEACH  BATHS,  OLD 
HEW 

Gr**AS/UVS.  OLD 

hew  y»fsr  eosrof  b/iogc 

SnrvmGCiXHSHin  

ehohih  £tr*s.NEw 
GPitfuH  ervus'i/HS 


- ~4 


NOTE. 


New  Bar /is  are  //>ose  estab//shed  since  Me  creation 
of  the  Department  0/  fbbi/c  Baf/is. 

The  smatt  figures  represent  the  rutmiero/ bathers 
during  the  Season  of idSS 


126 


FREE  MUNICIPAL  BATHS  IN  BOSTON. 


127 


FREE  MUNICIPAL  BATHS  IN  BOSTON. 

HISTORY  AND  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SYSTEM. 

As  long  ago  as  i860  the  board  of  aldermen  and  the  common  council 
of  Boston  appointed  a joint  special  committee  “to  consider  and  report 
what  measures,  if  any,  can  be  adopted  to  provide  such  facilities  for 
cheap  bathing  as  will  induce  all  persons  to  avail  themselves  of  the 
means  so  provided.’’  The  report  of  this  committee,  submitted  early 
the  following  year,  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  printed,  was  undoubtedly 
the  first  public  document  in  this  country  on  the  subject  of  municipal 
baths.  Two  questions  only  are  considered  in  this  report:  “First,  is 
the  city  of  Boston  deficient  in  bathing  facilities;  and  second,  if  so,  how 
shall  the  want  be  met?’’  That  it  should  not  go  at  length  into  the  gen- 
eral questions  of  the  usefulness  of  bathing  as  a sanitary  agency,  or  of 
its  necessity  to  personal  health  and  comfort,  is  not  surprising;  the  inves- 
tigations of  science  having  settled  the  former,  while  every-day  experi- 
ence and  observation  proved  the  latter.  But  that  it  should  not  even 
raise  the  question  whether  it  was  in  accordance  with  public  policy  to 
establish  and  maintain  baths  at  the  city’s  expense  gives  some  cause  for 
wonder,  inasmuch  as  no  undertaking  of  the  kind  had  been  attempted 
or,  so  far  as  is  known,  proposed  by  any  city  in  the  United  States. 
Examples  of  municipal  action  in  this  direction  had  to  be  sought  in  other 
countries,  and  the  report  cites  the  public  bathing  establishments  of 
England,  France,  and  Belgium. 

In  the  spring  of  1866  another  joint  special  committee  was  appointed 
to  consider  the  feasibility  of  such  an  undertaking.  This  committee  at 
once  set  to  work  with  a view  to  securing  two  kinds  of  baths — warm  and 
cold  fresh- water  baths  for  the  fall,  winter,  and  spring  months,  and  salt- 
water baths  for  the  summer  months  ; but  it  soon  found  that  its  immediate 
attention  must  be  given  to  the  latter,  because  of  the  great  expense 
involved  in  providing  the  necessary  apparatus  and  conveniences  for  per- 
manent baths.  On  its  recommendation,  $10,000  was  appropriated  for 
the  establishment,  under  its  direction,  of  “suitable  places  in  South  and 
East  Boston  and  the  city  proper  for  salt-water  bathing  during  the  ensu- 
ing summer  months.”  This  appropriation  was  doubled  later  in  the 
season.  Six  localities  were  selected — five  for  floating  baths  and  one  for 
a beach  bath — and  each  was  placed  in  the  special  charge  of  some  one 
member  of  the  committee. 

The  entrance  of  Mr.  Josiah  Quincy  into  the  office  of  mayor,  three 
years  ago,  marked  the  beginning  of  a new  chapter  in  the  history  of  free 
municipal  baths  in  Boston.  Hitherto  the  providing  of  public  bathing 
facilities  by  the  city  had  been  regarded  as  permissible  in  the  absence  of 
private  effort  in  that  direction;  Mayor  Quincy  looked  upon  it  as  but  one 
phase  of  the  general  obligation  of  a city  “to  secure,  in  some  measure, 


128 


FREE  MUNICIPAL  BATHS  IN  BOSTON 


No.  118. — New  municipal  bath,  Dover  street,  Boston. 


FREE  MUNICIPAL  BATHS  IN  BOSTON. 


129 


the  enjoyment  by  all  of  at  least  a certain  minimum  of  elementary  social 
advantages.”  Hitherto,  also,  the  chief,  if  not  the  sole  ground  on  which 
the  work  was  justified  had  been  the  promotion  of  the  public  health 
through  bodily  cleanliness;  Mayor  Quincy  put  it  at  once  on  the  threefold 
basis  of  health,  physical  development,  and  enjoyment,  regarding  the 
supplying  of  suitable  means  for  wholesome  recreation  and  pleasure  as 
coming  well  within  the  lines  of  municipal  policy.  The  effect  of  this 
change  of  attitude  was  at  once  apparent.  Among  the  early  official  acts  of 
the  mayor  was  the  appointment  of  a committee  of  citizens  to  select  a site 
and  secure  plans  for  a bath  house  that  should  be  open  all  the  year  round. 
This  building  was  to  bfe  not  only  thoroughly  equipped  for  hot  and  cold 
baths,  but  in  its  architecture  and  appointments  it  was  to  be  of  such  a char- 
acter as  would  appeal  to  the  imagination  of  the  j)eople,  and  give  the  whole 
subject  of  public  baths  a new  dignity  in  their  eyes.  The  baths  already 
in  existence,  all  of  which  were  beach  or  floating  baths  along  the  water 
frontage  of  the  city,  were  supplied  with  additional  conveniences,  such  as 
fresh-water  sprays,  to  increase  their  usefulness  and  make  them  more 
popular;  and  steps  were  at  once  taken  to  open  additional  water-side 
baths. 

Finally,  in  the  spring  of  1898,  a new  city  department  of  public  baths 
was  created,  and  all  the  baths  maintained  by  the  city  were  placed  under 
its  direction.  This  new  department  is  administered  by  seven  unpaid 
commissioners,  two  of  whom  are  women,  appointed  by  the  mayor  for 
terms  ranging  from  one  to  five  years.  A secretary  is  employed  by  the 
board  to  act  as  its  executive. 

With  the  creation  of  the  bath  department  began  the  real  work  of 
expansion.  During  the  last  summer  the  city  had  in  operation  six  beach 
baths,  thirteen  floating  baths,  two  river  baths,  and  two  swimming  pools, 
as  against  fourteen  baths  of  all  kinds  a year  ago.  * 

At  the  same  time  the  commission  was  arranging  for  additional  winter 
baths  and  swimming  pools  in  different  parts  of  the  city. 

That  so  extensive  a system  of  public  bathing  accommodations  is  not 
without  its  warrant  in  the  needs  of  the  people  is  seen  from  the  large 
percentage  of  the  population  destitute  of  proper  means  of  bathing  at 
home. 

A proposition  of  the  first  importance  in  connection  with  the  subject  of 
free  popular  bathing  is  that  in  a large  city  it  should  be  furnished  through 
a considerable  number  of  establishments  designed  for  local  use,  rather 
than  by  one  or  two  on  a large  scale  at  central  points.  In  other  words, 
the  people  of  a given  neighborhood  should  not  have  to  go  too  far  in 

'To  this  list  should  be  added  the  two  baths  connected  with  open-air  gymna- 
siums— one  for  men  and  one  for  women — at  the  “ Charlesbank.”  and  the  two  beach 
baths  at  City  Point,  which  are  under  the  control  of  the  park  commission.  The 
beach  baths,  however,  are  let  out  by  the  commission  and  carried  on  for  private 

profit. 


S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  3- 


<9 


FREE  MUNICIPAL  BATHS  IN'  BOSTON'. 


13° 


No.  119. — Boys’  gymnasium  at  Dover  street  bath. 


No.  120. — Boys  at  Dover  street  bath,  Boston. 


AN  IDEAL  BATHING  ESTABLISHMENT.  131 

order  to  avail  themselves  of  such  facilities.  If  the  bath  is  within  half  a 
mile  to  a mile  of  the  home,  it  will  lie  readily  and  extensively  used;  if  it 
is  2 or  3 miles  away,  its  use  will  be  very  greatly  restricted. 

From  the  first  the  actual  use  of  Boston’s  municipal  baths  has  been 
absolutely  free  to  the  people.  A fee  of  5 cents  is  charged  to  adults  for 
the  use  of  bathing  suits,  except  at  the  North  End  beach,  where  suits  are 
furnished  free.  Children’s  suits  may  lie  had  at  all  the  baths  without 
charge.  One  cent  is  the  price  for  a towel  everywhere.  Bathers  are 
permitted  to  bring  their  own  suits,  and  towels,  if  they  care  to  do  so. 

The  expenditure  since  1866  by  the  city  of  Boston  for  public  baths 
has  been  $815,000.  The  new  Dover  Street  bath,  built  in  1898,  cost 
$86,000.  I11  1897  the  baths  were  used  by  657,275  persons,  and  in  1898 

by  1,920,368. 

AN  IDEAL  BATHINO  ESTABLISHMENT. 

Aspirants  for  the  Rotch  traveling  scholarship  are  working  over  a 
problem  that  calls  for  a design  for  a public  bathing  establishment.  It 
assumes  that,  following  the  example  of  Mr.  Sutro,  of  San  Francisco,  a 
wealthy  citizen  of  Boston  proposes  to  endow  the  Commonwealth  with 
a public  bathing  establishment  which  shall  be  on  a scale  commensurate 
with  the  possible  future  developments  of  greater  Boston.  The  site  is 
assumed  to  be  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Charles  River,  on  the  embankment 
formed  by  filling  in  the  flats.  The  site  has  a .frontage  of  800  feet  facing 
toward  the  water.  Between  the  water  front  and  the  building  lot  there 
is  constructed  an  esplanade  consisting  of  a promenade  on  the  immediate 
edge  of  the  water,  a roadway,  and  a sidewalk.  By  means  of  a dam  at 
Craigie  Bridge,  the  water  in  the  Back  Bay  is  kept  at  a constant  level. 
The  roadway,  promenade,  and  sidewalk  are  to  be  carried  on  a bridge 
spanning  an  opening  through  which  access  can  be  had  directly  from  the 
water,  by  boats  and  pleasure  craft,  to  an  interior  basin  and  boat  landings 
on  the  grounds  of  the  establishment. 

Among  the  features  of  the  imaginary  establishment  are  two  large 
swimming  baths  with  promenade  and  dressing  rooms  and  with  galleries 
containing  seats  to  be  used  on  the  occasion  of  aquatic  sports,  a music 
stand,  a restaurant,  kitchen,  serving  rooms,  gymnasium,  reading  room, 
and  power  and  engine  rooms. 

As  a part  of  the  general  scheme  it  is  intended  to  provide  an  interior 
boat  landing  at  which  launches,  boats,  canoes,  etc. , can  be  hired,  and  for 
this  purpose  the  basin  inside  of  the  grounds  is  to  be  considered.  It  is  as- 
sumed that  the  structure  throughout  is  to  be  constructed  in  a thoroughly 
first-class  manner,  of  masonry  and  iron,  without  regard  to  expense. 


132 


SIXTEENTH  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


Sixteenth  Aggrandizement. 

A National  Hall  of  Fame  on  the  Potomac , in  the  colonnade  of  the 
proposed  American  galleries  on  the  Acropolis. 

The  following  late  announcement  in  the  press  is  inspiring  to  the  patri- 
otism of  the  nation  and  to  worthy  ambition  of  its  individual  citizenship: 

THE  AMERICAN  HALE  OE  FAME. 

The  New  York  University  has  formally  accepted  a gift  of  JUoo.ooo  made  to  build 
a colonnade  along  the  Hudson  500  feet  in  length  and  facing  University  Heights,  to 
be  known  as  the  Hall  of  Fame  for  Great  Americans.'  There  will  be  150  panels  10 
by  8 feet  in  size,  to  be  eventually  filled  with  names  which  the  public  themselves  are 
to  nominate — that  is,  the  first  50  are  to  be  selected  by  popular  nomination  made  this 
year  and  sent  to  the  University  by  May  1.  These  nominations,  so  far  as  the}-  are 
seconded  by  one  member  of  the  university  senate,  will  be  submitted  to  one  hundred 
or  more  persons  throughout  the  country.  No  name  is  to  be  inscribed  unless  approved 
by  a majority  of  answers  received  from  judges  before  October  1 of  the  year  of  elec- 
tion. Each  name  must  be  finally  approved  by  a two-thirds  vote  of  the  thirteen  regular 
members  of  the  University  Council  and  by  a majority  of  the  honorary  members 
voting.  No  name  may  be  inscribed  except  of  a person  born  in  what  is  now  the 
territory  of  the  United  States,  and  of  a person  who  has  been  dead  at  least  ten  years. 

In  the  first  50  names  it  has  been  decided  to  include  one  or  more  representatives 
of  a majority  of  the  following  classes:  Authors  and  editors,  business  men,  educators, 
inventors,  missionaries  and  explorers,  philanthropists  and  reformers,  preachers  and 
theologians,  scientists,  engineers  and  architects,  lawyers  and  judges,  musicians, 
painters  and  sculptors,  physicians  and  surgeons,  rulers  and  statesmen,  soldiers  and 
sailors.  Should  any  vacant  panels  remain  after  these  requirements  have  been  met, 
the  senate  may  fill  them  during  the  ensuing  year. 

Such  in  brief  is  the  outline  of  what  may  prove  a national  Walhalla. 

We  have  already  in  imaginative  prospect  built  the  National  Hall  of 
Fame.  There  is  now  an  added  value  for  its  greater  commemorative  use. 
The  National  Walhalla  can  only  be  in  Washington.  It  must  look 
toward  Mount  Vernon,  along  the  national  boulevard  soon  to  be  com- 
menced.1 2 

Romans  at  eventide  filled  the  porticoes  of  Augustus  along  the  Tiber. 
In  pride  of  conquests  they  said,  “ To  be  a Roman  citizen  is  greater  than 
to  be  a king.” 


1 This  appropriation  ($  100, 000  for  a colonnade  500  feet  long)  incidentally  confirms 
the  estimates  (Part  II)  of  the  low  cost  of  the  long  ranges  of  one-story  “National 
Galleries  of  History  and  Art.” 

"THE  NATIONAL  BOULEVARD. 

[From  the  Philadelphia  Telegraph  ] 

The  so-called  national  boulevard,  from  Washington  to  Mount  Vernon,  will  be, 
when  completed,  a great  addition  to  the  attractions  of  the  capital.  The  work  will  be 
begun  early  next  year,  Congress  having  some  time  ago  made  an  appropriation  for 
surveys.  This  fine  highway  will  be  17  miles  long  and  250  feet  wide  through  its 
entire  course.  In  time,  110  doubt,  statues,  monuments,  and  arches  will  be  constructed 
along  the  route. 


seventeenth  aggrandizement. 


133 

Americans  may  in  another  generation  pace  the  pavement  of  their  Hall 
of  Fame  overlooking  the  flowing  Potomac  in  review  of  illustrations  of 
the  rise,  the  power,  and  decay  of  successive  nationalities  through  which 
they  have  ascended  to  the  American  Acropolis,  with  a nobler  pride,  that 
despite  despondent  outlooks  of  national  or  international  conflicts,  despite 
the  dangers  of  corruption  and  the  enticements  of  luxury,  their  institu- 
tions have  been  maintained  in  growth  and  prosperity,  and  that  to  l>e  an 
American  is  far  greater  than  to  have  been  a Roman  citizen. 

Seventeenth  Aggrandizement. 

Memorial  statues  to  the  civil  heroes  on  the  roll  of  benefactors  of  the 

Republic  and  the  World. 

The  provisions  of  the  New  York  Hall  of  Fame  mark  a new  departure 
that  has  been  strongly  demanded.  The  list  of  classes  above  proposed  for 
commemoration  is  a refreshing  recognition  that  it  is  time  to  call  a halt  to 
multiplication  of  war  statues.  Of  fifty  names  to  be  selected  not  less 
than  twenty-three  must  be  from  civil  walks  of  life,  aud  evidently  the 
intention  is  to  have  a much  larger  proportion,  because  it  is  provided  that 
one  or  more  shall  be  chosen  therefrom. 

Exaltation  to  fame  has  run  with  parade  of  deeds  of  war  in  admira- 
tion of  heroism.  But  there  has  been  heroism  in  no  less  degree,  unseen, 
unyielding  against  great  odds,  enduring  against  utmost  discouragement, 
bold,  confronting  ridicule,  magnanimous,  seeking  no  glittering  reward  or 
pecuniary  gain,  but  with  unfaltering  strife  pressing  toward  its  goal  of 
gain  to  humanity — progress  for  mankind. 

Their  roll  is  a long  one.  Its  call  would  resuscitate  names  of  men  who 
died  at  their  posts — martyrs  to  poverty  and  neglect. 

It  is  time  that,  with  the  professed  spirit  of  the  age  to  promote  “ peace 
on  earth,  good  will  to  men,”  these  names  should  be  brought  to  light  and 
emblazoned  for  examples. 

A copious  biographical  record  would  be  compiled  of  lives  of  men  of 
genius,  brains,  industry,  courage — countrymen  of  the  United  States 
worthy  of  memorial. 

Where  in  the  capital  are  the  statues  of  Fulton,'  progenitor  of  steam 
navigation;  of  Morton,  practical  demonstrator  of  the  beatitude  of  ether; 
of  Morse,  of  the  telegraph;  of  Whitney,  of  the  cotton  gin,  etc.? 

In  the  model  of  the  National  Galleries  in  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients 
(vide  p.  66,  Part  I)  there  are  bases  marked  along  the  grand  central 
avenue — the  via  sacra  to  the  Acropolis — assigned  for  statues  to  such 
names  from  the  roll  of  the  great  and  good. 

‘The  writer  has  an  autographic  letter  of  Fulton  to  President  Madison,  proposing 
the  construction  of  the  first  steam  vessel  of  war.  It  was  built  and  named  the 
Demologos. 


THE  AUTHOR  OF  AMERICA. 


135 


More  than  sixty  years  ago,  with  other  children  the  writer  walked  in 
procession  of  hundreds  of  Sunday  school  children  to  Park  Street  Church 
in  Boston  to  be  trained  at  his  first  hearing  of  it  to  sing 

My  country!  ’Tis  of  thee. 

Dr.  Holmes’s  tribute  to  its  author  in  his  quaint  rhyme  is  well 
known.  Probably  not  so  familiar  is  his  comment  on  the  hymn  that  its 
secret  undying  power  was  in  his  choice  of  “ My,”  not  ‘‘Our;  ” that  it 
was  the  outburst  of  an  individual  soul  in  joy  for  its  personal  possession 
of  such  a country.  To  count  the  millions  that  have  sung  and  will  sing 
that  inspiration  is  to  realize  the  hold  of  its  author'  upon  Fame.  Yet  no 
bust  even  of  him  has  been  set  up  in  Washington  or  elsewhere — save  one 
in  Memorial  Hall,  Harvard  College.  Under  this  head  of  aggrandize- 
ment, it  is  proposed  that  an  early  appropriation  should  be  made  for  a 
bronze  sitting  statue  of  Dr.  Smith. 

Appended  is  a facsimile  of  America,  from  his  hand,  written  for  the  occa- 
sion of  his  last  public  appearance,  the  Floral  Fete  at  Saratoga,  1895. 
He  died  eight  weeks  afterwards.  The  writer  will  present  the  plate  of  it 
to  the  Sergeant-at-Arms  of  the  Senate,  in  hope  that  copies  may  be  struck 
therefrom  for  use  at  ever}’  final  adjournment  of  Congress  for  a grand 
chorus  in  unison  of  the  House  and  Senate. 

Were  the  devout  clergyman  aware  of  this  suggestion  he  would  not 
fail  to  add  a wish  that  it  should  be  followed  by  the  Doxologv. 

'lie  was  of  no  kin  to  F.  W.  Smith — present  writer. 

Rev.  S.  F.  Smith,  D.  D.,  was  born  October  21,  1808,  accordingto  his  mention,  under 
the  chimes  of  the  old  North  Church  in  Boston,  from  which  Paul  Revere  hung  out 
the  lantern  signal  before  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill, 

He  married  a daughter  of  Dr.  Hezekiali  Smith,  of  Haverhill,  Mass.,  chaplain  in 
the  Revolutionary  army,  a friend  of  Washington,  and  a founder  of  Brown  Uni- 
versity. They  lived  most  happily  for  over  sixty  years.  “America  ” was  first  sung  in 
Park  Street  Church,  Boston,  July  4,  1832,  led  by  Lowell  Mason. 


136 


AMERICA. 


NO.  122. 


&r-c  oczS' 


t'Cy-c67>/£yj 

'S?t2/7^  l */.  <ry  //'/jefr/i 


Q^, 


?ry/ y^aSte^v 

Sk.  /Sy 

7^*G&  &fcr7?/  7*777  f. 


My  country,  ’tis  of  thee. 
Sweet  land  of  liberty, 

Of  thee  I sing; 

Land  where  ray  fathers  died, 
Land  of  the  pilgrims’  pride, 
From  every  mountain  side  let 
Freedom  ring. 


l <2s£l/Gs  (L^-CesiSr^j  — 

» 

^7  &sP77  f.  Sr~tS£^. 

fcn/iLs  **i>  o^\T  Sty 

Sty  n~rz>  a&>  aueC 

Cs/a 

f w * ■'  ■ W w - » - » V — — — M H ■ J|  1 


My  native  country’, — thee. 
Land  of  the  noble,  free, 

Thy  name  I love; 

I love  my  rocks  and  rills, 

Thy  woods  and  templed  hills, 
My  heart  with  rapture  thrills 
Like  that  above. 


AMERICA. 


137 


as 


0/ 
y h joS~  (ZlsT'rt  'T*'/ 


Let  music  swell  the  breeze, 
And  ring  from  all  the  trees 
Sweet  freedom’s  song; 

Let  mortal  tongues  awake, 

Let  all  that  breathe  partake. 
Let  rocks  their  silence  break, 
The  sound  prolong. 


^ *^7^ 

ee,  — 

7f- 


? ** 


nes1  y ^ 


Our  fathers’  God,  to  Thee, 
Author  of  liberty, 

To  thee  we  sing; 

Long  may  our  land  be  bright. 
With  freedom’s  holy  light, 
Protect  us  by  Thy  might, 
Great  God,  our  King. 


Conclusions. 


Imagination  would  gladlv  revel  in  other  re-ereations  from  the  past  for 
instruction  and  in  new  devices  of  beauty  to  enhance  enjoyment  for  the 
present,  but  numbered  aggrandizements  must  cease,  to  have  chance  that 
any  action  may  be  had  at  this  session  of  Congress.  In  parliamentary 
language,  additional  “bills”  could  only  “be  read  by  their  titles,”  and 
they  would  have  no  significance. 

They  might  be  food  for  thought — delectable  menus  for  the  mind, 
awakening  imagination,  association,  anticipation,  recollection — blessed 
faculties  of  the  human  intellect. 

Lord  Brougham,  in  his  Natural  Theology,  follows  the  argument  of 
Pale}'  from  the  material  in  Nature,  that  the  marvelous  powers  of  the 
mind  of  man  in  its  varied  capacities  for  delight  prove  the  beneficence  of 
the  Creator  as  clearly  and  with  higher  inspiration  to  the  intellect  than 
the  gifts  of  the  eye  to  see  and  the  ear  to  hear. 

It  has  been  a pleasure  to  the  author  to  exercise  these  subtle  faculties 
in  the  vision  of  a “city  Ijeautiful”  as  a future  reality  for  our  country. 

If  further  favored  by  Providence  he  will,  in  the  coming  autumn,  accept 
many  kind  invitations  filed  during  the  past  ten  years,  to  explain  (with 
illustrations)  his  design  for  National  Galleries,  in  Albany,  Syracuse, 
Buffalo,  Detroit,  Dayton,  Columbus,  Toledo,  Cincinnati,  Chicago,  St. 
Paul,  St.  Louis,  Louisville,  Minneapolis,  and  Pittsburg,  as  he  has  with 
much  encouragement  already  in  Boston,  New  York,  Brooklyn,  Philadel- 
phia, Baltimore,  Washington,  Charleston,  and  San  Francisco. 

If  these  reminiscences  move  remembrances  of  some  of  those  auditors 
he  bespeaks  a revival  of  their  interest  in  the  cause,  that  they  then  so 
cordially  and  audibly  expressed. 

It  is  a surprise  to  the  writer  that  his  first  single  proposition  for 
National  Galleries  has  amplified  to  the  extent  of  these  papers. 

At  the  outset  it  was  prejudiced  by  the  miserable  environment  of  the 
most  desirable  site — Observatory  Hill — now  at  the  extremity  of  the  city 
dump,  because  it  would  demand  the  transformation  of  a neighborhood, 
involving  additional  expenditure. 

When  the  prospectus  was  first  issued,  the  editor  of  the  Boston  Tran- 
script wrote:  “You  have  a missionary  work  liefore  you,  to  educate  the 
public  to  such  an  ideal.” 

This  necessity  has  l)een  heavily  realized.  Meanwhile  a powerful  influ- 
ence, by  example,  in  this  direction  has  been  developed — the  Congressional 

138 


A BOARD  OK  AGGRANDIZEMENT 


139 


No.  123. — Audience  (presumably)  in  New  York  or  Chicago. 


140 


A BOARD  OF  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


Library.  That  has  stirred  popular  enthusiasm  for  more  of  like  monu- 
mental work.  It  is  a delight  to  all  comers.  They  recognize  it  as  on 
a scale  with  the  national  resources,  only  of  late  fully  revealed.  The}’ 
would  vote  unanimously  for  its  counterpart  in  a Temple  of  Justice  on  the 
opposite  square,  and  for  others  of  like  splendor  and  utility.  It  has 
stimulated  their  anticipations  of  a magnificent  Washington  in  the 
future.  They  would  hasten  its  development  to  share  its  enjoyment  with 
the  next  generation. 

In  four  years  since  its  completion  there  has  been  a great  advance  in 
popular  expectations  of  the  capital.  There  is  abroad  a public  impatience 
that  it  shall  share  largely  in  the  present  sweep  of  prosperity  throughout 
the  land.  A study  of  these  conditions  led  to  the  conviction  that  argu- 
ment for  National  Galleries  would  be  strengthened  if  presented  as  a 
collateral  feature  of  one  grand  scheme  for  the  enrichment  of  Washington, 
well  matured  and  authoritatively  commended  to  Congress  and  the  people. 
An  admirable  precedent  has  been  furnished  in  the  legislation  and  action 
of  Massachusetts  above  cited. 

Such  a broad  scheme  of  aggrandizement  can  onev  be  devised  and 

ACCOMPLISHED  BY  A LEGALIZED  CONTINUOUS  COMMISSION  OF  RELIABLE 
AND  COMPETENT  MEN,  MAKING  THE  TASK  THEIR  SOLE  OR  CHIEF 
INTEREST  AND  EMPLOYMENT.  IT  CAN  NEVER  BE  WELL  CONCEIVED  OR 
EXECUTED  UNDER  AUTHORITIES  HITHERTO  PROVIDED — OF  COMMITTEES 

of  Congress  and  Commissioners  of  the  District  of  Columbia. 

The  greater  their  personal  attainments  and  abilities  the  more  their 
energies  are  driven  to  utmost  endurance  in  other  responsibilities.  To 
centralize  thought,  to  consecrate  time  as  demanded  on  great  ideals,  and 
develop  their  collateral  details  are  for  them  impossibilities.  Were  the 
most  competent  men  in  Congress  assigned  to  such  sendee  exclusively, 
it  could  never  be  by  them  carried  to  completion  for  lack  of  permanence 
in  office. 

Concerning  accomplishment  of  the  works  hereinbefore  described,  the 
following  conclusion  appears  reasonable: 

Satisfactory  and  accordant  results  can  not  be  expected  through  Congres- 
sional action  of  its  committees  with  the  Commissioners  of  the  District,  in 
view  of  the  results  of  the  last  thirty  or  forty  years. 

With  due  appreciation  of  the  intelligent  zeal  of  members  of  Congress, 
their  absorption  in  other  great  interests,  with  added  strain  of  political 
and  business  affairs,  is  too  intense  to  spare  the  time  and  thought  required 
for  such  complicated  responsibilities. 

Frequently  it  occurs  that  when  a member  is  initiated  in  his  work 
he  is  retired  from  Congress  or  changed,  to  other  committees.  Successors 
come  to  a new  beginning,  perhaps  with  new  projects,  disrupting  the 
unity  of  those  well  in  hand. 

Therefore,  as  the  finality  of  these  suggestions,  the  undersigned  submits  as 
a necessity  the  appointment  by  Congress  of 


A BOARD  OF  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


I4I 


A HOARD  OK  AGGRANDIZEMENT  FOR  THE  CITY  OF 

WASHINGTON, 

to  hold  office  continuously  for  ten  years.  It  should  consist  of  the  chair- 
men of  the  committees  on  the  District  of  Columbia  and  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds  of  the  House  and  Senate,  one  civil  and  one  military 
Commissioner  of  the  District,  and  five  residents  of  Washington  not 
members  of  Congress,  with  power  to  employ  counsel  and  experts  at 
their  discretion. 

The  scheme  is  analogous  to  that  of  a Board  of  Policy  which  has  been 
suggested  for  the  Navy  Department,  so  that  the  doings  of  one  adminis- 
tration may  be  in  harmony  with  a general  plan  running  through  years. 

They  should  be  directed  by  the  act — 

/.  To  submit  to  Congress  a general  plan  for  the  improvement  of  Wash- 
ington and  vicinity  by  parks,  buildings,  roads,  or  other  devices. 

2.  They  should  submit  to  each  Congress  at  its  first  session  their  recom- 
mendations for  works  to  be  prosecuted  during  the  ensuing  two  years,  with 
an  estimate  of  appropriations  required. 

j.  They  should  have  full  power  to  condemn  lands  for  buildings,  parks , 
street  improvement,  architectural  renovation , or  other  purposes  where  prop- 
erties can  not  be  obtained  at  a reasonable  price. 

4..  They  should  have  power  to  purchase  or  condemn  lands  on  -which  are 
unsightly  buildings  or  objects  offensive  to  neighborhoods,  reselling  said  lands 
with  prescribed  designs  and  plans  for  building  thereon  or  other  improve- 
ments, or  until  such  sale  improving  in  an  inexpensive  but  ornamental 
manner  with  buildings  or  other  improvements  for  income  or  for  public 
adornment. 

As  lands  were  condemned  and  then  disposed  of  this  fund  would 
return  for  use  over  again.  If  a section,  sa}',  of  the  blocks  on  Sixteenth 
street  (in  the  picture)  or  a number  of  other  shabby  lots  scattered  through 
other  blocks  were  all  to  lie  cleared  from  their  trash,  they  would  imme- 
diately command  buyers. 

If  the  commission  holds  the  lands  a while,  the  advance  would  be  a legit- 
imate gain  to  the  Government.  The  city  of  Paris  profited  immensely 
from  lietterments  following  condemnations  of  entire  streets. 

No  time  should  be  lost  by  delay  of  this  legislation,  for  plainly  the 
present  extraordinary  prosperity  must  enhance  values,  and  real  estate  in 
Washington,  when  advance  begins,  will  be  inflated  in  price. 

Now  is  the  time  for  the  Government,  as  for  individuals,  to  invest. 

Coincident  with  the  above  legislation  should  be  the  financial  provision 
demanded. 

The  foresight  that  will  plan  grandly  for  the  future  will  wisely  arrange 
for  the  outlay  in  advance. 


142 


A BOARD  OF  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


To  have  a broad  scheme  devised  and  accepted  and  then  left  to  an 
uncertainty  in  annual  appropriations  will  be  to  have  great  operations 
stranded  while  in  progress. 

When  the  United  States  Treasury  shall  be  in  deficit,  then  the  work 
will  be  crippled  or  stopped.  At  the  recurrence  of  business  depression 
labor  will  clamor  for  and  most  need  employment. 

With  a prospective  surplus  of  $150,000,000,  it  would  gratify  the 
worthy  pride  of  the  nation 1 2 to  have  $30,000,000 — one-fifth — voted  for 
the  aggrandizement  of  Washington  and  funded  so  that  it  can  not  be 
diverted  from  its  purpose.  The  expenditure,  of  course,  would  be  by 
gradual  appropriations,  according  to  the  acceptance  of  the  recommenda- 
tions of  the  board.  This  has  been  the  procedure  with  the  metropolitan 
commission  of  Massachusetts. 

Another  expedient  is  to  vote  a percentage  of  the  total  of  all  annual 
appropriations  to  this  object.  The  modicum  required  will  be  an  inter- 
esting surprise  in  comparison  with  the  vast  and  enduring  results. 

The  aggregate  appropriations  of  the  present  Congress  are  in  excess 
of  $700,000,000.  One-fourth  of  one  per  cent  would  be  $1,750,000, 
for  twenty  years  $35,000,000 — more  than  all  the  expenditures  above 
mentioned  would  cost,  while  betterments  to  real  estate  and  increase  of 
population  and  business  much  more  than  would  return  the  amount. 

Recurring  to  the  suggestion  above  for  the  commemorative  sen-ice  of 
1900,  I imagine  the  following  splendid  sequence  of  events: 

Imitating  the  unanimous  action  of  Congress  without  debate  in  the 
passage  of  the  act  for  the  Yellowstone  Park,  and  again  in  that  historic 
scene  of  the  war  appropriation  of  $50,000,000,  a joint  resolution  to  fund 
from  the  surplus  at  the  close  of  the  next  fiscal  year  $30,000,000  for  the 
aggrandizement  of  Washington. 

It  is  not  as  large  as  is  now  under  contract  for  rapid  transit  in  New 
York. 

Massachusetts  in  seven  years  incurred  the  same  indebtedness  against 
thirty-six  cities  and  towns,  viz,  $1,500,000  per  annum. 

San  Francisco  recently  voted  $6,000,000  to  purchase  and  improve 
twenty-nine  blocks  leading  to  the  Golden  Gate  Park. 

For  the  United  States  to  appropriate  $30,000,000  from  a surplus  in 
the  Treasury  for  outlay  during  twenty  years,  or  $1,500,000  a year,  is  a 
trifle  in  comparison. 

This  amount  is  not  so  large  as  the  outlay  of  the  city  of  Paris  in  ren- 
ovations under  the  Empire  between  1851  and  1870 — less  than  twenty 
years  in  renovations  which  have  returned  fourfold  in  its  aggregate  of 
wealth.3 

1 Addenda:  Voices  of  the  Press. 

2,The  first  stroke  was  the  clearance  of  a labyrinth  of  old  houses  and  the  connection 
of  the  Louvre  with  the  Tuileries.  While  this  was  in  progress  there  were  built  the 

Palace  of  Industry  and  the  immense  central  markets;  Rue  Rivoli  was  extended  for 


A BOARD  OF  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


143 


The  outlay  involved  in  the  above  recommendation,  of  $1,500,000  per 
year  for  twenty  years,  will  in  twenty  years  appear  small  in  comparison 
with  expenditures  then  in  enterprises  national  and  mercantile.  Then  it 
will  seem  strange  that  in  1900  it  had  appeared  to  some  people  as  large  in 
proportion  to  the  national  outlook  and  resources. 

If  there  might  be  joint  unanimous  action  at  the  close  of  the  next  session 
to  provide — 

First.  The  appointment  of  a commission  for  aggrandizement  of  the 
city  of  Washington  with  the  general  provisions  above  stated. 

Second.  The  appropriation  of  $30,000,000,  to  be  funded  from  the  sur- 
plus, for  use  under  advisement  of  said  commission,  approved  by  Congress. 

Third.  An  appropriation  of  money  sufficient  to  lay  at  once  the  foun- 
dation for  a Column  of  the  Union — i.  e.,  of  the  accession  of  States — at  a 
central  point  in  the  market  area  on  Pennsylvania  avenue. 

Fourth.  That  commemorative  services  be  held  for  the  laying  of  a 
corner  stone  for  the  Column  of  the  Union — if  such  action  could  mark  the 
second  session  of  the  Fifty-sixth  Congress,  with  a joint  chorus  of  America, 
a Doxology  would  resound  as  the  final  strain. 

A NATIONAE  .SOCIETY  FOR  THE  AGGRANDIZEMENT  OF  WASHINGTON. 

When  an  effective  plan  like  that  foreshadowed  shall  be  adopted  by 
Congress  it  will  be  of  national  benefit,  if  the  patriotism  of  the  country  is 
awakened  to  popular  support  of  the  project,  aiding  it  also  by  a watchful 
interest  from  which  will  follow  criticisms  and  improvements. 

On  the  14th  instant,  at  a meeting  of  one  hundred  scientists  of  Wash- 
ington, stereopticon  illustrations  of  the  aggrandizements  above  proposed 
were  exhibited. 

At  the  conclusion  the  suggestion  was  offered  of  a National  Society 
for  the  Aggrandizement  of  Washington.  It  was  received  with 
emphatic  commendation  and  has  been  subsequently  approved  by  others 
of  known  practical  judgment.  The  writer  has  a register  of  more  than 
30,000,  from  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  who,  within  the  past  ten 


miles  through  a maze  of  old  streets;  much  of  the  present  sewer  system  was  con- 
structed; a great  number  of  new  streets  and  parks  were  laid  out. 

A large  majority  of  those  parks  which  contribute  to  the  health,  convenience,  and 
beauty  of  the  Paris  of  to-day  were  planned  and  executed.  Of  all  the  houses  of  Paris 
in  1870  less  than  one-tliird  had  been  built  prior  to  1852. 

Meanwhile  efforts  of  individual  and  associated  private  capital  kept  pace  with 
imperial  progress. 

The  returning  visitor  might  traverse  broad  thoroughfares  for  miles  together  with- 
out hardly  a trace  of  the  places  he  knew  twenty-five  years  before.  Old  Paris,  with  its 
crooked,  narrow  streets  (see  fig.  4),  so  favorable  to  revolutionary  barricades  and 
epidemics,  was  swept  away.  Compare  these  enterprises  with  the  above  aggrandize- 
ments, above  proposed,  and  their  timidity,  not  their  presumption,  will  be  apparent. 


NATIONAL  SOCIETY  FOR  THE 
I’  A G GRA  N □ l_Z  E MENT  OF  WAS  HJ  N G TON. 


No.  124  — The  Roman  Annex  to  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients,  1312,  1314,  1316,  131S  New  York  avenue,  Washington. 
The  Taberua  (store)  displays  exact  replica  of  beautiful  Greek  vases  and  other  art  models  for  schools. 


144 


A BOARD  OF  AGGRANDIZEMENT. 


145 

years,  have  left  record  of  their  interest  in  his  efforts  for  National  Gal- 
leries. It  includes  an  ex-President  and  many  distinguished  by  their 
honorable  functions,  judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  Senators  and  Repre- 
sentatives in  Congress,  educators,  etc. 

From  this  roll  he  proposes  at  once  to  solicit  membership  in  a society 
for  purposes  set  forth  in  the  annexed  memorandum  for  its  constitution. 
It  will  be  perfected  upon  further  consultation  with  associates  and  then 
widespread  membership  of  a national  society  will  be  solicited  upon  a 
basis  substantially  as  given  on  the  following  page. 


f 


S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  3 


10 


The  National  Society  for  the  Aggrandizement  of 

Washington. 

The  object  of  this  society  is  to  stimulate  national  interest  in  the  archi- 
tectural grandeur,  the  enrichment,  and  adornment  of  Washington  on  a 
scale  worthy  its  promise  of  future  importance  as  the  capital  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  by  efforts,  viz: 

First.  To  promote  by  its  influence  the  appointment  by  Congress  of  a 
Commission  for  the  Aggrandizement  of  Washington,  with  tenure  of 
office  for  ten  years,  but  with  rotation  of  some  of  its  members  every 
three  years — to  report  to  Congress  a general  plan  of  works  and  meas- 
ures, expedient,  and  from  time  to  time  others  said  commission  shall  deem 
advisable;  to  cooperate  with  the  said  commission  by  suggestions  or  criti- 
cisms according  to  their  judgment,  and  to  sustain  the  commission  in 
execution  of  their  plans. 

Second.  By  the  appointment  of  an  executive  board,  the  majority  to 
be  resident  in  Washington,  but  with  representatives  in  other  cities,  who 
shall  offer  plans  and  suggestions,  as  above  mentioned,  making  the  sub- 
ject their  special  study  and  interest  and  stimulating  advisory  recommen- 
dations from  the  public. 

The  selection  from  these  contributions  of  such  as  shall  be  deemed 
worthy  of  commendation  or  improvement,  such  papers  to  be  acknowl- 
edged in  published  reports;  publication  of  interesting  and  desirable 
plans,  designs,  or  suggestions  to  be  made  from  time  to  time  with  illus- 
trations; also  with  publication  of  examples  drawn  from  capitals  ancient 
and  modern,  which  may  be  valuable  for  imitation  or  in  modification  for 
the  municipal  comfort  and  adornment  of  Washington. 

Third.  To  enlist  the  cooperation  of  the  press  of  the  different  States; 
especially  of  artistic,  architectural,  educational,  and  other  literary  jour- 
nals. 

Fourth.  To  establish  in  Washington  an  office  for  said  lx>ard,  where 
will  be  on  exhibition  plans,  designs,  and  suggestions  contributed; 
engravings  of  architectural  examples,  etc. 

Fifth.  According  to  the  means  of  the  board,  to  employ  lecturers 
throughout  the  country  to  promote  public  interest  in  Washington  and 
cooperation  for  its  aggrandizement. 

Sixth.  To  consider  carefully  various  architectural  or  other  improve- 
ments proposed  to  Congress,  aiding  their  promotion  or  advocating  their 
revision  as  may  be  expedient. 

146 


A NATIONAL  SOCIETY  FOR  AGGRANDIZEMENT.  147 

Seventh.  According  to  the  means  at  the  disposal  of  the  society,  to 
offer  prizes  for  plans  or  designs  in  realization  of  constructions,  streets, 
parks,  or  other  improvements,  which  the  board  shall  by  a majority  of 
three-fourths  decide  are  desirable  for  accomplishment. 

Eighth.  As  a board,  by  formal  vote,  to  commend  specified  objects  or 
purposes  with  estimates  of  their  costs  to  the  liberality  of  the  people  of 
the  United  States  for  their  gifts  to  National  Galleries  of  History  and 
Art  or  other  attractions  of  the  capital. 

The  membership  of  the  society  shall  be  enrolled  in  permanent  volumes, 
alphabetically  by  States.  Membership  to  be  subject  to  an  annual  assess- 
ment of  $2.  All  members  to  receive  the  publications  of  the  society. 

Contributions  of  larger  amounts  are  to  be  accompanied  by  lists  of  indi- 
viduals, one  for  each  $2  subscribed;  said  individuals  to  receive  the 
publications  of  the  society.  National  banks  will  be  asked  to  act  as 
depositories  for  subscriptions.  Congress  will  be  petitioned  to  grant  the 
franking  privilege  for  the  circulation  of  the  publications  of  the  society. 
A constitution  and  by-laws  to  be  adopted  as  soon  as  three  hundred 
members  are  enrolled  from  different  States,  to  warrant  assumption  of 
the  name  National  Society.  The  meetings  of  the  society  to  be  held  in 
Washington  at  the  time  established  by  the  by-laws. 

Note. — Delay  in  obtaining  data  and  illustrations  for  this  publication 
prevents  the  issue  of  it  before  the  adjournment  of  Congress,  which  occurs 
earlier  than  was  anticipated.  Therefore  any  action  upon  its  suggestions 
or  consideration  of  them  must  wait  the  session  in  December,  1900. 


A Personal  Statement. 


From  his  great  interest  therein  the  undersigned  is  compelled  to  make 
the  following  statement  and  appeal: 

The  preceding  papers  are  the  fruitage  of  observation  and  study  of 
architectural  effects  during  50  years,  at  frequent  intervals,  in  the  capitals 
of  Europe,  and  especially  of  attention  to  municipal  constructions  and 
adornments  abroad  during  late  visits  as  far  as  Stockholm,  St.  Peters- 
burg, Moscow,  Constantinople,  Athens,  and  Cairo,  that  has  filled  note- 
books with  material  for  possible  utilization  in  the  splendid  but  unim- 
proved opportunities  of  Washington. 

For  10  years  past  these  topics  have  been  the  absorbing  and  exclusive 
employment  of  his  thoughts  and  energies.  Since  the  publication  of  his 
first  Prospectus  (Part  II)  the  outlay  of  effort  on  his  part  has  been 
excessive.  It  is  three  years  since,  at  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  B.  H. 
Warner,  he  came  to  Washington  to  construct  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients. 

He  has  had  no  financial  assistance ' until  the  cooperation  of  Mr.  S. 
Walter  Woodward,  of  Washington,  by  whose  aid  (as  hereinbefore  at  first 
stated)  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients  were  established.  For  five  years  during 
the  financial  depression  the  enterprise  of  National  Galleries  was  persist- 
ently followed  through  personal  conference,  by  printed  exhibits,  lec- 
tures from  Boston  to  San  Francisco,  but  without  publicity,  which  was 
inexpedient. 

Frequently  during  this  decade  has  been  recalled  an  imperishable 
record  from  the  pen  that  decreed  not  only  the  locality  of  the  capital  that 
bears  his  name,  as  did  the  plow  of  Romulus  mark  the  bounds  of  Rome 
around  the  Palatine,  but  also  therein  the  square  "No.  4 south  of  squares 
33  and  34  to  Potomac  River"  (now  Observatory  Hill)  for  educational 
use.  His  injunction  it  has  been  the  aim  of  these  writings  to  fulfill. 

"The  peculiar  circumstances  attending"  the  announcement  of  such  a 
broad  scheme;  "the  embarrassed  situation  of  our  public  affairs , which 
obliged  me  every  year"  (for  five)  "to  postpone”  its  revival  to  public  atten- 
tion; "and  as  expense  was  incidental  thereto  and  consequent  of  my  self- 
denial,  I have,  as  of  right  I think  I ought , upon  due  consideration 
adjudged ” — that  now,  assistance  from  the  Government  toward  my  con- 
tinuance in  the  work — especially  considering  my  advanced  age  and 
impaired  health — "is  just  with  respect  to  the  public  as  it  is  convenient  -with 
respect  to  myself;  and  / make  it  with  less  reluctance  as  I find  that  / am  a 
considerable  loser,  my  disbursements  falling  short  of  my  receipts  and  the 

■ Except  from  one  whose  modesty  forbids  mention,  but  who  in  this  connection 
deserves  commendation. 

148 


A PERSONAL  STATEMENT. 


I49 


money  I had  of  my  ow7i."  Under  these  circumstances  the  author  now 
appeals  to  Congress — 

First.  For  an  assignment  to  him  for  his  personal  use  at  discretion  of 
5,000  copies  of  this  Senate  Document  No.  209,  in  parts  or  entire  as 
desired,  with  1,000  copies  thereof  bound  in  cloth.  He  has  contributed 
a very  large  share  of  the  expense  of  its  issue,  including  the  value  of 
original  drawings  for  the  illustrations,  the  cost  to  the  Government  of  that 
number  of  copies  not  being  equal  to  that  of  the  first  edition  of  his 
Prospectus  (5,000  copies  quarto,  105  pages,  146  illustrations). 

Second.  He  solicits  of  all  members  of  Congress  the  acceptance  of 
this  invitation  to  visit  the  Halls  of  the  Ancients  with  their  families, 
that  they  may  judge  of  the  feasibility  in  these  days  of  effective, 
realistic  reconstruction  from  antiquity,  for  impressive  object  lessons  to 
old  and  young,  and  from  those  demonstrations  judge  of  the  benefit  to 
the  nation  of  the  establishment  of  National  Galleries  of  History  and 
Art  upon  full  scale  of  the  design. 

Third.  He  solicits  as  a personal  favor  from  members  of  Congress 
that  after  examination  of  the  papers  herewith,  in  leisure  at  their  homes, 
they  will  kindly  write  to  the  undersigned  their  conclusions  with  reference 
to  them,  and,  if  favorably  regarded,  aid  their  purpose  in  all  ways 
practicable.  F.  W.  S. 

Washington,  May  28 , 1900. 

Note. — The  extraordinary  interest  to  the  people  of  the  United  States 
for  all  time  of  the  facsimiles  annexed  was  the  temptation  to  make  the 
paraphrase  above  a motif  for  their  publicity.  Thus  these  papers  com- 
mence and  conclude  with  reproductions  of  the  handwriting  of  Wash- 
ington. The  first  (Part  I)  are  photographic  reductions  from  the  original 
documents;  absolutely  counterparts  to  the  dot  of  an  i or  the  place  of  a 
period.  These  would  have  been  impossibilities  a century  ago. 


ADDENDA. 


CONTENTS. 

Page. 

1.  Voices  of  the  press 155 

2.  Municipal  aesthetics 163 

3.  Abundant  prosperity,  1900 168 

4.  Legislation  moved  in  Congress 170 

5.  A professional  opinion — Dr.  Sowers — of  the  highlands  as  preferable  for  a 

new  White  House 172 

6.  Criticism  of  the  design  reported  to  Congress  for  the  Memorial  Bridge ....  176 

7.  Additional  views  of  embowered  homes  in  Washington 179 

8.  Views  on  the  Potomac 181 

9.  Concrete  construction  being  demonstrated  in  Washington,  No.  9 182 

10.  Estimated  cost  of  the  proposed  aggrandizements 184 

11.  Plans  for  the  comprehensive  development  of  Washington.  (From  the 

American  Architect,  June  2,  1900.) 185 

12.  A vision  of  splendor;  oration  of  Hon.  Marriott  Brosius,  at  Arlington,  on 

Memorial  Day,  May  30,  1900 . 187 


Note. — The  material  in  these  papers,  drawings,  illustrations,  etc.,  was  received 
too  late  to  accompany  the  text  to  which  it  has  relation.  In  later  editions  it  will  be 
added  to  the  respective  papers. 


153 


Addenda  No.  i. 


VOICES  OF  THE  PRESS. 


[From  the  New  York  Tribune.] 

AS  TO  NATIONAL  EXPENSES. 

Some  men  need  to  open  their  eyes  and  realize  that  this  is  not  a pauper 
country.  Economy  is  excellent  when  it  is  not  a crime  or  a disgrace. 
But  in  these  days  the  argument  of  economy  is  used,  often  with  mistaken 
honesty,  no  doubt,  but  also  at  times  with  knavish  intent,  to  prevent 
expenditures  for  which  the  Government  and  the  people  are  amply  pro- 
vided. Whether  the  object  is  wise  or  unwise,  whether  the  motive  is  the 
best  or  not,  the  argument  is  nothing  better  than  an  unworthy  appeal  to 
ignorant  prejudice.  If  there  is  anything  which  the  Government  may 
wisely  do  for  the  welfare  of  the  people  it  is  folly  to  claim  that  it  is  not 
able  or  that  they  can  not  bear  the  burden. 

This  nation  of  77,000,000  people,  more  or  less,  is  to-day  better  able  to 
spend  $300,000,000  than  it  was  thirty  years  ago  with  half  the  population 
to  spend  $100,000,000.  Its  wealth  has  increased  more  than  threefold, 
from  $30,000,000,000  to  over  $100,000,000,000.  Its  people  are  far  more 
fully  employed,  earning  much  better  wages,  and  are  more  secure  and 
independent  in  their  industries,  with  a national  credit  such  as  no  other 
power  possesses.  The  nation  has  a measure  of  control  in  the  world’s 
finances  which  nobody  expected  thirty  years  ago  this  country  would 
attain.  It  was  able  in  1870  to  pay  over  $3  for  every  inhabitant  as 
interest  on  the  public  debt,  but  it  would  be  a much  lighter  burden  to-day 
to  pay  interest  on  a debt  of  $7,000,000,000,  and  not  even  the  wildest 
scheme  of  national  defense  or  development  would  call  for  any  such  sum. 
The  world’s  financiers  would  tumble  over  one  another  in  their  haste  to 
get  United  States  bonds  at  a rate  paying  less  than  3 per  cent,  but  the 
people  themselves  would  take  care  that  not  many  such  bonds  would  go 
beyond  their  borders. 

Abundance  of  resources  is  not  a reason  for  wastefulness.  A nation 
which  is  adding  to  its  wealth  in  a year  $2,000,000,000  or  $3,000,000,000 
is  not  pinched  in  its  expenditure  by  lack  of  money.  The  question  is, 
and  always  ought  to  be,  only  one  of  the  wisdom  of  an  expense  proposed. 

i55 


VOICES  OF  THE  PRESS. 


156 

[From  the  Philadelphia  Inquirer.] 

BEAUTIFY  THE  NATIONAL  CAPITAL. 

Of  the  minor  recommendations  made  by  President  McKinley  in  his 
message  to  Congress,  none  is  at  once  more  timely  and  more  important 
than  his  suggestion  that  the  centennial  of  the  founding  of  the  city  of 
Washington  shall  be  made  a notable  event.  Washington  is  to-day  a 
beautiful  city,  but  it  does  not  yet  begin  to  do  justice  to  the  great  people 
who  own  it  as  their  seat  of  government.  Had  he  argued  for  two  or 
three  such  memorials  he  would  not  have  gone  too  far.  As  he  says,  the 
people  of  the  country  are  justly  proud  of  their  capital  city,  and  they 
have  a right  to  be.  But  the  work  of  making  that  city  beautiful  has 
only  begun.  Those  who  would  protest  against  such  an  outlay  are  of  so 
small  a proportion  of  the  population  that  their  voices  would  scarcely  be 
heard,  and  even  if  heard  would  be  of  no  consequence  compared  with  the 
overwhelming  sentiment  in  its  favor. 

Let  us  face  this  subject  in  a patriotic  spirit.  Paris  is  to-day  the  most 
beautiful  city  in  the  world,  because  the  people  of  France  have  spent 
millions  of  dollars  year  after  year  in  adorning  its  streets  with  just  such 
memorials  as  the  President  has  in  mind.  With  its  enormous  resources 
this  nation  should  equal  the  results  achieved  in  the  French  capital.  A 
thousand  reasons  for  such  a policy  come  easily  to  mind.  No  foreigner 
visits  this  country  without  visiting  the  capital  and  without  returning  to 
his  own  country  to  tell  what  he  saw.  No  native  citizen  goes  thither 
without  having  his  patriotism  stirred  and  feeling  more  and  more  inclined 
to  fight  more  determinedly  for  his  country.  These  are  the  great  reasons 
for  carrying  out  the  Presidential  recommendation.  It  need  not  be  feared 
that  there  will  not  be  any  adequate  return  for  the  amounts  expended. 
The  cost  to  so  great  a people  would  not  be  felt,  and  everywhere  the  effect 
would  be  to  enhance  the  prestige  of  the  whole  people  among  the  nations 
of  the  world. 

It  is  hazarding  little  to  predict  that  the  committee  for  which  the  Presi- 
dent has  asked  will  be  named  and  that  an  appropriation  will  be  made, 
but  there  should  be  110  halfway  business  in  the  premises.  The  com- 
memoration should  be  a notable  one,  and  should  carry  the  fame  of  the 
United  States  to  the  farthest  corners  of  the  earth. 


[From  the  Indianapolis  Press.] 

BEAUTIFY  THE  CAPITAL — SOUTH  SIDE  OF  THE  AVENUE  SHOULD  BE 
PURCHASED  BY  THE  GOVERNMENT. 

Some  public-spirited  citizens  have  been  advocating  a project  to  beau- 
tify the  national  capital.  The  scheme  contemplates  the  purchase  by 
the  Government  of  the  triangular  tract  of  land  between  Pennsylvania 


VOICES  OF  THE  PRESS. 


157 


avenue  and  the  Government  reservation,  from  the  Capitol  to  the  White 
House  grounds,  the  construction  of  a grand  boulevard  from  the  Capitol 
to  the  Washington  Monument,  thence  connecting  with  Pennsylvania 
avenue,  and  the  continuance  of  this  boulevard  over  a memorial  bridge 
across  the  Potomac.  It  is  thought  probable  that  if  this  were  done  the 
State  of  Virginia  would  cede  to  the  District  of  Columbia  land  along  the 
Potomac  for  a driveway  to  Mount  Vernon. 

The  report  from  Washington  is  that  the  project  has  almost  been  aban- 
doned because  of  the  expense  involved.  The  cost  of  the  recent  war  and 
its  ensuing  conditions  deter  the  Representatives  from  making  the  large 
appropriation  necessary  to  carry  out  an  improvement  that  their  constitu- 
ents might  regard  as  purely  local. 

The  Press  believes  that  a plan  the  execution  of  which  would  make 
Washington  the  most  beautiful  capital  in  the  world  ought  not  to  fail 
because  the  people  lack  information  on  the  subject  and  Congress  fears 
the  charge  of  extravagance.  The  improvement  of  V ashington  is  a 
matter  of  national  interest  and  patriotic  pride ; and  if  the  advantages  of 
the  present  plan  were  known  to  the  people  we  believe  that  it  would  be 
emphatically  indorsed. 

The  shabby  and  unsightly  buildings  that  now  mar  the  beauty  of 
Pennsylvania  avenue  would  be  removed  and  the  Government  reservation, 
extending  from  the  Capitol  to  the  Potomac,  would  make  a great  park, 
and  we  may  be  sure  that  in  this  park,  devoted  to  public  use  through  an 
Eesthetic  ideal,  no  such  architectural  nightmares  as  the  Pension  Office 
would  be  placed. 

Governmental  extravagance  is  one  thing  and  a wise  expenditure  to 
increase  the  beauty  of  the  national  capital  is  another.  T.  his  seems 
clearly  to  be  the  latter.  Its  advantages  are  obvious  and  no  petty  econ- 
omy should  hinder  such  a project.  The  press  generally  should  take  the 
matter  up,  and  the  patriotic  societies  have  here  an  opportunity  to  display 
a reason  for  their  existence  other  than  mutual  felicitations  on  the  dis- 
tinguished ancestry  of  their  members.  The  Sons  and  Daughters  of  the 
Revolution  and  kindred  societies  can  perform  a real  patriotic  service  by 
bringing  this  plan  fully  to  the  knowledge  of  the  people.  When  that  is 
done  we  believe  that  there  will  be  an  imperative  popular  demand  for 
the  proposed  improvement. 


[From  the  Cincinnati  Commercial-Tribune.] 

PRIDE  IN  THE  CAPITAL — WASHINGTON  MUST  BE  MADE  THE  MOST 

BEAUTIFUL  OF  ALL  CITIES. 

Every  true  American  is  proud  of  the  national  metropolis.  Washington 
is  dear  to  us  because  of  the  talismanic  charm  of  its  name,  the  beauty  of 
its  location,  and  the  majesty  of  its  public  edifices,  but  more  than  all 


I5« 


VOICES  OF  THE  PRESS. 


because  with  that  splendid  city  are  inseparably  bound  up  the  lives  aud 
the  achievements  of  the  greatest  men  America,  and  indeed  the  world, 
has  ever  known.  We  believe,  with  the  Washington  Post,  that  there  is 
no  better  way  to  gratify  and  stimulate  patriotic  pride  than  to  enlist  the 
interest  of  the  masses  in  the  capital  of  the  nation.  Washington  is  in 
truth,  as  the  Post  points  out,  the  one  city  in  the  country  whose  interests 
are  the  interests  of  every  citizen  and  whose  honor  and  beauty  belong  to 
the  entire  nation.  American  patriotic  pride  will  not  rest  satisfied  with 
the  adoption  of  any  policy  toward  the  national  capital  save  one  having 
for  ultimate  purpose  the  making  of  Washington  the  most  beautiful 
capital  in  the  world.  The  Indianapolis  Press  very  properly  declares  that 
such  a policy  should  not  fail  either  localise  the  people  are  not  fully 
informed  as  to  its  details  or  because  Congress  might  fear  the  charge  of 
extravagance  in  providing  for  its  execution.  Our  country  has  in  ioo 
years  become  the  greatest  in  the  world.  The  capital  of  the  country 
should  reflect  that  matchless  growth  and  advancement. 

We  stand  on  the  very  threshold  of  a new  century.  The  nineteenth 
century  has  been  for  the  world  made  glorious  by  American  achievement. 
But,  marvelous  as  have  been  our  services  to  the  race  in  the  ninteentli, 
they -will,  we  are  convinced,  be  eclipsed  by  the  still  grander  and  nobler 
promotion  of  the  interests  of  civilization  through  the  instrumentality  of 
the  American  nation  in  the  twentieth  century.  Our  leaders,  guides, 
and  rulers  have  their  seat  at  Washington.  The  future  of  that  city  is  in 
their  hands,  and  the  patriotism  of  America  demands  that  the  future 
shall  not  lie  unworthy  the  nation  itself.  As  America  is  the  greatest  of 
nations,  Washington  must  be  the  most  beautiful  of  capitals. 


[From  The  Washington  Post.  Monday,  April  9, 1900.] 

THE  PEOPLE  AND  THEIR  CAPITAL. 

The  Post  does  not  believe  there  is  any  member  of  either  House  of 
Congress  who  doubts  that  at  some  time  or  other,  and  at  no  very  distant 
period,  the  Government  will  acquire  the  grounds  south  of  Pennsylvania 
avenue  and  north  of  those  which  it  now  owns,  and  will  carry  out  a com- 
prehensive plan  of  improvement  which  will  make  Washington  indis- 
putably “the  most  beautiful  capital  in  the  world.’’  The  Post  has  no 
doubt  that  if  the  American  people  understood  the  situation,  if  they  knew 
the  relation  which  the  acquisition  of  those  grounds  bears  to  the  future 
of  their  capital,  they  wpuld  wonder  at  the  delay  of  Congress.  No 
Congressman  has  ever  lost  a vote  for  having  manifested  an  interest  in 
promoting  improvements  at  the  national  headquarters.  The  few  Con- 
gressmen whose  narrow  minds  and  stunted  public  spirit  have  prompted 
them  to  seek  popular  favor  by  adopting  a niggardly  policy  toward  the 
capital  have  signally  failed  to  realize  on  their  investment.  Take  the 


VOICES  OF  THE  PRESS. 


159 


roster  of  any  Congress  that  has  ever  assembled  in  Washington,  point  out 
the  names  of  its  most  illustrious  members,  and  you  will  have  the  list  of 
those  who  strove  most  earnestly  to  carry  out  the  grand  conception  of  the 
founder  of  this  city,  the  peerless  patriot  whose  name  it  bears. 

The  people  of  the  United  States  understand  that  their  capital  is  in  the 
hands  of  their  agents  in  Congress.  They  know  that  Congress  “exer- 
cises exclusive  legislation  in  all  cases  whatsoever”  over  every  inhabitant 
of  this  District.  They  read  the  story  of  the  nation’s  growth — a story 
unmatched  in  the  world’s  history  for  great  achievements — and  they  look 
to  Congress  to  see  to  it  that  the  nation’s  capital  keeps  pace  with  the 
nation. 

This  Republic  is  going  out  of  the  nineteenth  into  the  twentieth  century 
with  more  to  its  credit  than  any  other  power  on  the  globe.  We  believe 
that  in  leaving  behind  a century  of  grand  progress  it  enters  upon  a cen- 
tury of  progress  still  more  grand.  That  its  people  will  not  fail  to  make 
and  to  keep  their  capital  what  it  should  be  we  have  no  doubt.  There  will 
be  an  increasing  realization,  as  the  years  go  on,  of  the  unique  position 
in  which  the  people  are  placed  with  regard  to  this  city  and  District.  In 
no  other  country  do  the  people  own  and  govern  their  capital.  There- 
fore in  no  other  are  all  the  people  interested  in  and  responsible  for  the 
political  metropolis.  There  is  but  one  city  in  the  United  States  whose 
citizens  take  no  part  in  electing  the  officials  who  rule  the  capital;  that 
solitary  exception  is  the  capital  itself. 


THE  NATION’S  .STREET. 

To  the  Editor  of  The  Washington  Evening  Star: 

Your  editorials  on  the  improvement  of  the  south  side  of  the  avenue 
have  afforded  me  a great  amount  of  pleasure  and  interest,  and  I sincerely 
trust  that  Congress  will  take  a broad-gauge  view  of  the  matter  and  at 
least  take  one  step  forward  at  this  session.  Washington  is,  of  course, 
the  city  for  all  great  national  celebrations,  and  Pennsylvania  avenue  is 
the  place  in  Washington  for  the  same.  In  this  connection  my  mind 
runs  back  through  the  inauguration  festivities  to  the  second  inaugu- 
ration of  President  Grant. 

Take  the  afternoon  of  March  4,  after  the  parade,  and  view  the  avenue, 
disfigured  with  rough  stands  and  their  cheap  bunting,  dilapidated 
one-story  shanties  alongside  of  substantial  business  houses — not  for- 
getting the  row  of  rum  mills  on  the  north  side  near  the  Capitol  (so 
aptly  described  in  The  Star  a few  days  since),  and  what  a dreadful 
sight  it  presents  ! How  different  would  be  the  scene  if  Congress  should 
build  up  the  entire  south  side,  with  the  buildings  all  harmonizing,  and 
suppose  the  entire  frontage  of  all  these  great  buildings  was  arranged 
with  covered  balconies  to  accommodate  the  thousands  of  visitors.  The 


i6o 


VOICES  OF  THE  PRESS. 


roadway  would  be  the  arena  of  this  vast  amphitheater.  The  nation 
would  be  proud  indeed  of  its  capital  city  with  such  a magnificent  avenue, 
and  inauguration  day  would  be  looked  forward  to  by  hundreds  of 
thousands  with  the  greatest  of  pleasure  and  a trip  to  Washington  as  the 
event  of  their  lives. 

Old  Reader. 


[From  the  Charleston  News  and  Courier,  May  3,  1900.] 

GOOD  WORK  IN  WASHINGTON. 

Time  was,  and  that  not  long  since,  when  Washington  City  was  distin- 
guished by  little  more  than  “ its  magnificent  distances.”  It  was  largely 
a waste,  dotted  here  and  there  with  towering  edifices,  in  which  art  and 
beauty  were  sacrificed  to  service  and  use.  It  consisted  substantially  of 
Pennsylvania  avenue,  dominated  at  one  end  by  the  old  Capitol  and 
squatted  upon  at  the  other  end — as  it  is  yet — by  the  White  House,  and 
no  electric  propulsion  annihilated  the  interval  of  this  aching  void. 

Much,  very  much  of  this,  has  been  changed,  and  Washington  is  rap- 
idly becoming,  if  it  is  not  already,  the  most  beautitul  city  of  the  land. 
Its  new  Capitol  is  worthy  of  the  greatest  country7  on  the  globe;  its  new 
Congressional  Library  is  a dream  of  exquisite  taste  and  elaborate  skill, 
upon  which  no  cost  has  been  spared;  its  avenues  have  been  laid  out  with 
special  care  and  definite  plan,  with  oases  of  parks  and  squares  at  their 
junction  with  each  other;  costly  and  impressive  monuments  adorn  every 
public  place;  and  splendid  private  residences  have  sprung  up,  as  if  by 
magic,  in  every  part  of  the  city. 

Holding  an  unique  position  among  the  States  of  the  American  Union, 
located  in  none  of  them,  and  yet  belonging  to  them  all,  Washington  has 
become  the  chosen  residence  of  much  of  the  culture  and  wealth  of  the 
United  States.  A literary  and  social  life  finds  expression  here,  in 
strange  contrast  with  the  political  atmosphere  so  often  associated  in 
thought  with  the  nation’s  capital — a life  refined,  elevated,  and  beautiful. 

There  is  a spirit  abroad,  if  we  are  to  judge  by  the  great  journals  of  the 
country,  or  many  of  them — to  rejoice  in  this  growth  of  our  country’s 
metropolis  into  such  proportions  as  will  make  it  increasingly  the  type  of 
our  American  civilization  and  the  center  of  our  patriotic  pride;  to 
encourage  and  even  call  for  such  action  from  Congress — which  legislates 
for  it — as  will  make  our  capital  city  worthy  of  a Republic  of  80,000,000 
of  people.  Surely  such  a spirit  is  to  be  commended  and  its  suggestions 
heeded  by  all  who  are  sensitive  to  everything  which  concerns  their 
country’s  honor. 


VOICES  OF  THE  PRESS. 


1 6 1 


[From  The  Washington  Evening  Star,  Saturday,  March  3,  1900.] 

The  great  Mall,  with  its  succession  of  broad  areas  devoted  artistically 
to  combinations  of  lawn  and  wooded  growths,  forms  one  of  the  city’s 
most  distinctive  features. 

Already  the  Mall  has  been  invaded  by  buildings  because  of  the  par- 
simony of  Congress.  There  was  but  feeble  objection  to  the  introduction 
of  the  Smithsonian  Institution  there,  for  its  nature  befitted  it  to  the 
seclusion  of  the  park  and  its  architecture  blended  harmoniously  with  the 
dense  foliage  of  the  forest  growth.  The  Department  of  Agriculture,  how- 
ever, was  a mistake,  while  the  National  Museum  was  only  to  be  excused 
on  the  ground  of  its  likeness  in  organizational  character  to  the  Smith- 
sonian, a biscuit-toss  away.  But  for  the  sternly  practical,  forbidding 
Medical  Museum  there  was  never  a valid  excuse,  and  the  capital  has 
always  deplored  this  invasion  and  violation  of  the  park  principle.  It  > 
was  hoped  that  these  four  buildings,  constituting  a group  of  scientific 
organizations,  would  remain  the  solitary  occupants  of  the  Mall,  aside 
from  the  Fish  Commission  office,  doomed  to  early  removal,  and  the 
magnificent  memorial  shaft  at  the  western  end,  destined  for  a significant 
permanence. 

Now  comes  the  plan  to  despoil  the  park,  to  locate  all  future  public 
buildings  within  its  limits,  to  cut  it  in  twain  by  an  inartistic  street,  and 
to  change  its  original  character  entirely.  It  is  no  wonder  that  the 
scheme  is  rejected  by  the  most  advanced  public  spirit  of  the  citizens,  as 
unworthy  the  great  occasion  with  which  it  is  associated,  and  a positive 
detriment  to  the  artistic  and  the  material  progression  of  the  capital. 
There  is  room  in  plenty  for^the  buildings  yet  to  be  built  without  invad- 
ing the  parks.  There  are  grander  opportunities  for  city  adornment  than 
this,  which  represents  such  a direct  sacrifice  of  principle  and  public 
space.  The  only  course  of  safety  is  to  stand  firmly  in  opposition  to  the 
plan.  Once  it  is  adopted,  there  is  no  guaranty  for  the  future.  Whereas 
now  Congress  is  chary  about  buying  sites  for  public  buildings,  always 
counting  the  cost  and  the  difficulty  of  selection,  with  the  park-site  prin- 
ciple established  there  will  be  no  barrier  to  prevent  the  frequent  and 
lavish  expenditure  of  this  beauty  and  breathing  space  for  public  building 
uses. 

It  is  only  by  the  maintenance  of  high  ideals  that  great  ends  are 
achieved.  The  great  end  here  is  the  evolution  of  a capital  worthy  the 
country  and  the  times,  a city  of  rare  beauty  and  convenience,  of  dignity 
and  good  government. 

S.  Doc.  209 — Pt.  3 1 1 


162 


RESOLUTION  OF  THE  ARCHITECTURAL  CLUB. 


RESOLUTION  PASSED  BY  THE  WASHINGTON  ARCHITECTURAL  CLUB, 

SATURDAY,  APRIL  7,  1900. 

The  Washington  Architectural  Club,  an  organization  whose  object  it 
is  to  foster  and  further  the  study  of  architecture  as  a fine  art,  seeing  in 
the  movement  promulgated  by  Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith,  to  erect  a group 
of  buildings  illustrating  the  history  and  development  of  architecture,  a 
means  for  furthering  the  object  for  which  this  society  was  established, 

Resolves,  That  we  extend  to  Mr.  Smith  an  expression  of  our  good 
will  by  indorsing  the  movement  initiated  by  him  and  declaring  our 
belief  in  the  immense  amount  of  good  such  a scheme  will  ultimately 
accomplish,  by  popularizing  the  study  of  architecture  and  by  object 
lessons  creating  a just  appreciation  of  it;  that  we  believe  the  expendi- 
ture of  money  required  is  proportionate  to  the  benefits  to  lie  derived, 
and  that  we  urge  Congress  to  take  some  definite  action  on  the  subject. 

And  be  it  further  resolved,  That  these  resolutions  [be  typewritten  and 
copies  forwarded  to  Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith,  the  proper  committees  of 
Congress,  the  architectural  journals,  and  to  such  other  persons  as  may 
be  deemed  proper  by  the  secretary  of  this  club. 

T.  F.  Laist,  ex  officio , 

E.  W.  Donn,  Jr., 

W.  B.  Wood, 


Committee. 


Addenda  N o.  2. 


MUNICIPAL  AESTHETICS. 

[From  the  New  York  Home  Journal,  April  12,  iyoo.] 

It  is  a significant  and  a hopeful  sign  that  we  are  beginning  to  think, 
in  the  erection  of  our  monuments  and  buildings,  of  other  things  in 
addition  to  utility.  Utility  is  of  course  necessary,  and  so,  we  shall  find, 
is  beauty.  Municipal  aesthetics,  if  properly  understood,  is  a liberal 
education  to  all  citizens,  and  its  importance  is  now  beginning  to  be 
appreciated  in  America. 

Mr.  Walter  Crane  writes:  “ If  our  cities  are  to  be  made  pleasant  abid- 
ing places,  if  their  form  and  arrangement  are  to  appeal  to  the  eyes  and 
the  pleasure  and  comfort  of  their  citizens  as  well  as  their  pride,  these 
things  (the  beautifying  of  streets)  will  have  to  be  considered.  Why, 
with  all  the  resources  of  art  and  science,  with  knowledge  of  sanitation 
and  all  those  things  necessary  to  the  maintenance  of  a high  standard 
of  human  life,  we  should  allow  ugliness,  meanness,  and  squalor  to  exist, 
and  to  depress  and  deaden  the  external  aspects  of  our  cities  to  the 
extent  we  do,  is  amazing.  The  awakening  sense  to  the  importance  of 
beauty  is  an  encouraging  sign,  and  one  is  glad  to  hear  of  the  way  in 
which  the  subject  is  being  taken  up  in  America.” 

Mr.  E.  H.  Blaslifield  has  recently  asked:  ‘‘What  has  municipal  art 
done?  It  has  beautified;  it  has  stimulated;  it  has  commemorated  for 
more  than  three  thousand  years.  It  made  Athens  the  most  famous 
city  of  antiquity  for  her  beauty’s  sake — the  beauty  of  her  statues,  her 
pictures,  the  beauty  of  her  music,  plays,  and  poems,  for  which  she  insti- 
tuted civic  and  national  trials  of  skill;  for  the  commemoration  of  her 
patriotism,  which  again  took  the  form  of  beauty  and  builded  the  mem- 
ories of  Marathon  and  Salamis  into  the  stones  of  the  Parthenon.  It 
made  Rome  the  most  splendid  city  of  her  splendid  Empire,  a museum 
of  art  for  all  time,  a schoolroom  for  the  students  of  four  centuries. 
It  gave  to  Ephesus  and  Halicarnassus  and  Thebes  fame  that  has 
endured  longer  than  the  cities  themselves.  It  has  perpetuated  the 
memory  of  the  wise  and  strong,  and  thereby  stimulated  millions  of  men 
to  the  thought  of  great  examples  millions  more  to  the  reverence  of  beauty 

163 


MUNICIPAL  ESTHETICS. 


164 

and  a higher  appreciation  of  nature  as  reechoed  in  man’s  handiwork.  It 
has  helped  men  to  think.  In  sum,  public  and  municipal  art  is  a public 
and  municipal  educator.  Therefore,  it  is  good;  therefore,  we  should 
have  it. 

“ In  all  ages,”  he  continues,  ‘‘municipal  decoration  has  gone  on,  great 
with  the  great  epochs,  decadent  with  the  epochs  of  decadence,  but 
always  a stimulus,  always  a dower  from  past  to  future,  and  in  the  pres- 
ent not  infrequently  a revenue.  The  art  of  Italy  draws  thousands  of 
tourists  annually,  with  millions  of  money,  and  some  of  that  money — that 
which  is  dropped  at  the  turnstiles  of  the  museums — pays  for  the  housing 
and  keeping  up  of  that  same  treasure  of  art. 

“ Paris  is  rich  enough  to  forego  this  gate  money,  and  one  passes  no 
turnstile  at  Louvre  or  Luxembourg.  One  is  apt  to  think  of  Paris  as 
purveyor  of  easel  pictures  to  the  world,  but  one  must  not  forget  that 
she  has  not  been  unmindful  of  that  larger  art  which  we  call  municipal. 
* * * America  is  a young  country,  but  she  has  much  to  celebrate — 

her  settlement,  the  exploration  of  her  rivers  and  lakes  and  plains,  the 
building  of  her  railways,  the  wonderful  romance  of  her  mining  life,  the 
development  of  her  fisheries,  the  telegraph,  the  submarine  cable,  the 
application  of  iron  to  naval  warfare,  last,  but  not  least,  the  achievements 
of  her  Army  and  Navy.  * * * The  post-office  of  New  York  reaches 

its  hand  as  far  as  that  of  Rome  or  Berlin,  and  has  as  much  right  to  sum- 
mon to  its  walls  the  symbols,  attributes,  and  personages  that  collect 
together  the  quarters  of  the  earth  and  make  up  an  epitomized  pictured 
world’s  gazetteer.  A post-office,  a railway  station,  a bank,  an  exchange — 
any  of  these — may  offer  an  endless  field  to  the  imagination  of  painter  or 
sculptor.  Still  more  suggestive  are  library  and  courts  of  law;  and  think 
of  a town  hall,  where  the  whole  expression  of  a people’s  aspirations  may 
be  pictured. 

11  The  effect  of  decorating  a city,  the  effect  upon  the  mind — that  is,  of 
the  spectator — is  cumulative.  He  soon  gets  to  demand  more  and  more 
of  harmony,  and  is  not  satisfied  unless  the  general  appearance  of  the 
streets  is  handsome.  Such  wildernesses  of  the  commonplace  and  even 
of  the  ugly,  sometimes  of  the  hideous,  as  are  now  seen  throughout  acre 
after  acre  on  the  east  and  west  sides  of  New  York  would  never  have 
been  tolerated  by  an  old  Florentine  or  Venetian.” 

Mr.  George  Kriehn,  in  discussing  the  question  of  ‘‘The  City  Beau- 
tiful,” feels  that  the  conversion  of  the  American  city,  built  primarily  for 
utility,  into  the  city  beautiful  may  seem,  at  the  first  glance,  a Herculean 
task.  But  if  each  element  of  ugliness  be  taken  up  and  rooted  out  one 
by  one,  the  task  though  long,  need  not  be  difficult.  One  of  the  first 
things  he  objects  to  is  the  hideousness  of  street  signs  and  advertise- 
ments.1 Signs  could  be  beautiful  quite  as  well  as  ugly.  In  Belgium  a 

' See  the  hideous  triangular  displays  thrust  into  vacant  lots  on  Connecticut  avenue 
and  elsewhere  in  Washington. 


MUNICIPAL  AESTHETICS. 


165 

municipal  art  society  has  taken  up  the  matter  and  initiated  competitions 
for  beautiful  designs  for  which  prizes  are  awarded.  Sculptors  and 
skilled  iron  workers  compete  because  of  the  value  of  the  prizes  as  well  as 
their  interest  in  their  work,  and  merchants  because  of  the  advertisement 
it  gives  them.  The  result  is  that  all  over  the  city  one  finds  graceful 
signs,  and  it  is  an  interesting  fact  that  these  pay  better  than  ugly  ones. 

Another  method  by  which  we  could  gradually  improve  our  streets  is 
the  introduction  of  color.  The  love  of  color  is  natural.  Who  is  there 
that  does  not  love  the  colors  of  autumn,  the  crimson  of  the  sunset,  and 
the  blue  of  the  ocean?  Every  child  seeks  things  that  are  gay  and  bright 
and  new.  In  olden  times  the  people  delighted  in  color.  The  Greek 
temple  stood  on  high  green  promontories  by  the  bright  blue  sea,  gaily 
colored  with  red  and  blue  and  ivory.  The  mediaeval  city  was  a feast  of 
color  with  its  bright  tile  roofing  and  painted  facades,  with  the  coats  of 
arms  emblazoned  on  all  the  houses  and  walls  of  the  cities,  and  with  the 
glittering  glass  windows  stained  in  all  colors.  It  is  only  in  modern  times 
that  we  have  banished  it  from  our  midst,  except  where  we  put  up  a 
hideous  affair  to  advertise  an  auction  sale. 

In  coloring  our  modern  cities  the  French  have  given  us  good  examples. 
They  use  the  trees  as  much  as  possible.  Green  is  nature’s  coloring;  it 
rests  the  eye,  and  in  the  broader  streets  of  the  city  nothing  is  so  charm- 
ing as  to  see  a bright  green  tree. 

Municipal  art  has  its  practical  side  which  will  appeal  especially  to 
Americans.  A beautiful  city  will  attract  a desirable  class  of  residents. 
The  Americans  and  the  other  foreigners  who  #are  in  Paris  are  there 
primarily  because  Paris  is  such  a beautiful  place.  They  buy  French 
goods,  they  build  houses  or  rent  them,  and  so  on.  This  applies  also  to 
a certain  extent  to  New  York  and  Washington,  because  they  are,  perhaps, 
the  most  beautiful  of  our  cities.  Municipal  art  will  undoubtedly,  if 
properly  financiered,  greatly  improve  real  estate  values.  The  Avenue 
de  l’Opera  in  Paris  is  a striking  example  of  this.  There  is  a street  in 
Glasgow  that  will  soon  have  paid  the  cost  of  its  construction.  There  is 
another  in  London — Shaftesbury  avenue — which  was  built  through  Seven 
Dials,  and  there  are  any  number  of  them  in  Paris ; and  the  Parisians 
keep  on  building  them. 

As  an  educational  factor,  municipal  art  can  not  be  overestimated. 
Monuments  and  arches  teach  glory  more  thoroughly  than  any  book  can. 
Why  should  not  the  American  people  be  taught  patriotism  in  a similar 
fashion  to  a far  greater  extent  than  at  present?  Our  history  abounds 
in  great  subjects  well  adapted  to  artistic  portrayal.  Nothing  would  be 
a more  effective  agent  in  making  good  citizens  of  our  foreign  population 
than  such  monuments.  Many  of  them  can  not  read  English  books,  but 
they  can  read  monuments,  which  appeal  to  the  eye.  This  matter  is  as 
important  as  any  political  issue  before  us,  and  it  has  one  great  advan- 
tage— it  is  nonpartisan.  Two  things  are  necessary  before  we  can  have 


MUNICIPAL  AESTHETICS. 


1 66 

a beautiful  city.  The  first  is  patriotism  and  the  second  a desire  to  excel.' 
Civic  patriotism  is  an  all-important  factor.  At  the  beginning  of  the 
fifteenth  century  the  people  of  Florence  wanted  to  build  a tower. 
Florence  was  a little  city,  not  nearly  so  large  as  many  Italian  cities,  not 
nearly  so  powerful  as  Naples  or  Venice,  but  they  said  to  the  architect: 
“You  must  build  a tower  which  will  not  only  surpass  what  has  been 
done  by  any  Italian  city,  but  anything  in  the  whole  world.’’  Giotto 
went  to  work  and  created  the  Campanile,  “that  serene  height  of 
mountain  alabaster,  colored  like  a morning  cloud,  chaste  as  a sea  shell.’’ 
The  City  Beautiful  should  become  a term  that  can  aptly  be  applied  to 
New  York  and  Washington  and  all  other  cities.  It  can  not  lie  done  in 
five  years  or  ten,  but  even  if  it  takes  half  a century  or  more,  surely  the 
end  is  worth  striving  for. 


[From  the  House  Journal.) 

Mrs.  E.  H.  Blashfield  made  several  practical  suggestions  as  to  “How 
New  York  may  be  made  beautiful,’’  in  an  address  before  the  League 
for  Political  Education,  in  Berkeley  Lyceum,  yesterday  morning. 

“To  whom  did  the  cities  of  the  past  owe  their  public  decorations?’’ 
asked  Mrs.  Blashfield.  “Was  it  only  to  the  kings,  emperors,  and  grand 
dukes,  whom  we  have  not  in  America?  No.  Bruges,  Florence,  Venice, 
and  Nuremberg  got  their  art  from  the  very  men  whom  we  have — by 
magistrates,  merchants,  and  artisans.’’ 

Mrs.  Blashfield  suggested  that  Longacre  square  might  lie  made  into  a 
park.  Wall  fountains, •consisting  of  a has  relief,  with  basin  underneath, 
which  she  termed  the  simplest  form  of  decoration,  might,  she  said,  be 
erected  in  a great  many  places,  as  they  are  fitted  to  adorn  even  the  nar- 
rowest streets. 

“Tablets  of  brass  or  marble  should  mark  all  the  historic  spots  of  the 
city,”  she  said.  “Certain  quarters  of  the  town  should  be  beautified,  as 
we  can  not  spread  a thin  coat  over  the  whole  city.  Especially  the  river 
side  should  be  made  a thing  of  beauty.  Some  of  the  quays  have  been 
made  beautiful  as  recreation  piers,  and  I think  every  tenth  quay  at  least 
could  lie  beautified  without  loss  to  commerce.  Natural  lieauties,  such  as 
the  Palisades,  should  be,  alxive  all  things,  preserved. 

“An  easy  way  of  adding  to  the  beauty  of  our  city  streets  would  lie 
the  general  use  of  window  1 nixes  of  flowers  and  vines,  such  as  are  com- 
mon all  over  London. 

“The  greatest  plea  for  municipal  art  is  that  it  is  municipal  education. 
It  is  a tacit  declaration  of  democracy,  for  it  means  equal  division  of  the 
beautiful  things  of  life.” 

'A  third  should  be  added  — “ missionary  work,”  to  cultivate  appreciation  of  the 
theme  of  this  paper  and  habits  of  observation  that  will  incite  a craving  to  enjoy  the 
results  which  are  its  aim.  The  National  Society  for  Aggrandizement  of  Washington 
should  enlist  a vast  constituency  in  the  United  States. 


THE  BILLBOARD  NUISANCE. 


167 


[From  The  Cleveland  Leader.] 

THK  BILLBOARD  NUISANCE. 

It  is  clear  that  the  billboard  nuisance  will  have  to  be  abated  in  Cleve- 
land. Signs  have  been  put  up  in  places  where  they  are  nothing  less 
than  the  disfigurement  of  valuable  public  pleasure  grounds  and  an  injury 
to  public  property. 

In  the  end  there  will  have  to  be  strict  regulation  of  the  whole  sign- 
board business.  It  is  an  injury  to  private  as  well  as  public  property,  in 
many  cases,  and  the  streets  are  disfigured  beyond  all  reason  or  excuse. 
In  such  matters  Americans  are  too  lax,  and  one  of  the  certain  improve- 
ments of  the  near  future  in  American  cities  will  be  the  more  effective 
restriction  of  the  use  of  private  property  in  ways  injurious  to  the  public. 
In  such  control  of  individual  license  Europe  is  far  ahead  of  the  United 
States. 


[From  The  Philadelphia  Press.] 

THE  SAME  HERE. 

Chicago  and  Cleveland  have  declared  war  against  the  billboard 
nuisance  and  propose  to  make  a vigorous  effort  to  have  it  abated.  The 
practice  of  permitting  bills  and  advertising  signs  to  be  put  up  in  any  and 
all  sorts  of  places  has  been  carried  to  extremes  in  those  cities  and  the 
consequence  is  the  disfigurement  of  pleasure  grounds  and  parks  and  the 
flaunting  in  the  face  of  the  public  of  objectionable  handbills.  If  public 
opinion  can  be  awakened  and  crystallized  the  practice  can  probably  be 
stopped.  Those  cities  are  not  the  only  ones,  however,  which  have 
suffered  from  this  nuisance.  A little  stricter  regulation  concerning  these 
would  meet  with  public  approval. 


Addenda  No.  3. 


ABUNDANT  PROSPERITY— 1900. 

Never  before  since  the  beginning  of  the  Government  has  this  land 
been  blessed  with  such  substantial  evidences  of  almost  boundless  pros- 
perity along  so  many  different  lines.  The  President  shows  that — 

American  exports  for  1899  alone  exceeded  by  more  than  $1,000,000, 000 
imports  and  exports  combined  in  1870. 

The  combined  exports  and  imports  are  the  largest  of  any  year  in 
American  history. 

The  imports  per  capita  are  20  per  cent  less  than  in  1870. 

The  exports  per  capita  are  58  per  cent  more  than  in  1870. 

Exports  of  agricultural  products  were  $784,776,142. 

Exports  of  manufactures  were  the  largest  in  the  history  of  the  country, 
valued  at  $339,592,146. 

Government  receipts  from  all  sources  amounted  to  $610,982,004.35. 

Based  on  the  estimates  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  there  will  be 
a surplus  June  30,  1901,  of  receipts  over  expenditures  of  $152,000,000. 

The  customs  receipts  for  the  last  fiscal  year  were  $206,128,481.75. 

The  internal-revenue  receipts  increased  by  about  $100,000,000. 

December  1,  1899,  the  available  cash  balance  in  the  Treasury  was 
$278,004,837.72,  of  which  $239,744,905.36  was  in  gold  coin  and  bullion. 

So  strong  was  the  position  of  the  Treasury  that  for  the  first  time  in 
eight  years  the  Treasury  resumed  compliance  with  the  sinking-fund  law, 
and  during  November  offered  to  purchase  $25,000,000  of  the  5 per  cent 
bonds  of  1904  or  the  4 per  cents  of  1907  at  the  current  price.  The 
amount  purchased  during  November  was  $18,408,600. 

This  gave  a net  saving  to  the  Government  of  about  $2,885,000. 

Total  appropriations  for  the  Fifty-fifth  Congress  were  $1,566,890,016. 

No  feature  of  the  commerce  of  the  United  States,  whether  domestic  or 
foreign,  shows  a more  wonderful  development  than  that  carried  upon  the 
Great  Lakes,  where  navigation  is  about  to  resume  for  the  season  of  1900. 
While  since  1872  the  foreign  commerce  has  doubled,  lake  tonnage  has 
' 168 


ABUNDANT  PROSPERITY. 


169 


increased  from  914,735  tons  to  21,958,347  tons  in  1899,  the  increase  hav- 
ing been  over  2,000  per  cent. 


Exportation  of  wheat 

Transportation  through  the  Soo canal  : 

Flour 

Coal 

Iron  ore 

Wheat 

Lumber,  copper,  etc.,  in  like  proportions. 


1872. 

1899. 

39, 000, 000 

222,  OOO,  OOO 

136, 40 

7.  ”4.  147 

80,815 

3,940,887 

383,  i°5 

15, 328,  240 

a 1,376.705 

58.397,335 

a 1871. 


t 


Addenda  No.  4. 


LEGISLATION  MOVED  IN  CONGRESS— FIFTY-SIXTH 
CONGRESS,  FIRST  SESSION. 

Several  resolutions  have  been  moved  in  Congress  in  the  direction  of 
this  present  suggestion  of  a permanent  commission. 

Mr.  Lodge  introduced  a bill  for  a permanent  commission  for  con- 
demnation proceedings  in  the  District  of  Columbia.  According  to  this 
bill  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  is  authorized  to  appoint  five 
suitable  persons,  one  of  whom  shall  be  a member  of  the  liar,  as  a perma- 
nent commission  for  the  opening  and  extension  by  condemnation  pro- 
ceedings of  streets,  alleys,  rights  of  way  for  sewers,  for  the  acquisition 
of  any  real  estate  required  for  the  use  of  the  District  of  Columbia  or  for 
the  United  .States.  The  bill  provides  necessary  details  relating  to  the 
manner  in  which  an  appeal  may  be  taken  from  the  decisions  of  the 
commission. 

Another  suggestion  is  an  art  commission  composed  of  the  presidents 
of  the  American  Institute  of  Archaeology,  of  the  National  Sculptors’ 
Society,  and  of  the  Academy  of  Design,  and  two  citizens  to  be  appointed 
by  the  President,  to  pass  upon  the  artistic  merit  of  designs  or  models  of 
every  work  of  art. 

This  apparently  is  intended  to  apply  to  public  buildings,  although  it 
does  not  say  so  directly,  as  the  only  works  exempt  are  public  buildings 
costing  less  than  $50,000.  This  scheme  is  well  enough  as  far  as  it  goes. 
It  apparently  insures  artistic  criticism  upon  various  designs  or  buildings 
from  time  to  time  as  they  take  shape.  It  by  no  means  covers  the 
necessity  of  a concentration  of  minds  exempt  from  other  cares  continu- 
ously upon  a broad  scheme  of  development  covering  not  only  Washington, 
but  the  region  round  about,  and  not  the  merits  of  individual  works 
alone,  but  the  merit  and  appropriateness  of  all  works  in  relation  to  the 
one  grand  scheme  set  forth  in  advance  and  with  a forecast  for  a long 
future. 

Senator  McMillan  proposes  a resolution  for  a joint  select  committee  of 
Senate  and  House  to  investigate  and  report  upon  some  comprehensive  plan 
for  sites  for  public  buildings  that  may  be  needed  for  years  to  come;  this 
joint  committee  to  employ  a number  of  distinguished  architects  from  the 
country  at  large  for  the  purpose  of  devising  the  plan. 

170 


LEGISLATION  PROPOSED. 


1 7 1 

This  scheme  meets  the  same  difficulty  before  recognized — the  absorp- 
tion of  the  members  of  Congress  in  legislative  and  political  matters, 
their  temporary  residence  in  Washington,  and  uncertain  tenure  of  office. 

To  employ  a number  of  distinguished  architects  would  mean  a very 
large  expense  for  which  they  could  afford  but  little  time.  The  careful 
and  prolonged  study  of  intelligent  resident  citizens,  in  conjunction  with 
the  Commissioners  of  the  District  and  a representative  from  the  mem- 
bership of  the  Congressional  committees,  appointed  for  a decade,  with  a 
gradual  rotation  from  office,  and  calling  to  their  aid  from  time  to  time  the 
judgment  of  experts,  would  result  in  much  more  thorough  conclusions 
at  less  expense. 


CORRESPONDENCE  CONCERNING  NEW  WHITE  HOUSE. 


Halls  of  the  Ancients, 


Washington,  D.  C. , May  21,  1900. 

My  Dear  I)r.  Sowers:  I beg  to  avail  myself  of  my  relation  to  you 
as  my  physician,  for  an  authoritative  judgment  upon  the  expediency  of 
an  enlargement  of  the  present  White  House  or  the  construction  of 
another  on  a new  location. 

I would  ask  your  opinion  as  to  the  comparative  healthfulness  of  the 
present  location  with  that  of  a situation  on  the  heights  overlooking  the 
city.  The  present  tendency  for  desirable  residences  is  entirely  to  the 
north.  More  and  more  the  high  land  is  chosen.  Certainly  the  establish- 
ment of  a residence  for  Presidents  of  the  United  States  for  a century  or 
centuries  to  come  is  a very  important  responsibility.  The  sanitary  or 
beneficial  influences  affected  by  locality  should  receive  most  serious  con- 
sideration. 

Inasmuch  as  a President  is  liable  to  be  held  in  the  city  at  important 
crises  during  the  summer  months,  would  notan  elevated  situation  relieve 
the  necessity  which  has  existed  for  years — that  he  should  remove  with 
inconvenience  to  some  small  estate  in  the  suburbs  on  the  approach  of 
summer? 

Yours,  very  truly, 


Franklin  W.  Smith. 


Washington,  D.  C. , May  22,  1900. 

My  Dear  Sir:  I am  in  receipt  of  jours  of  the  21st  instant,  and, 
realizing  the  importance  of  the  questions  submitted  to  me  professionally, 
thejr  have  my  liest  attention. 

First,  in  my  judgment  there  is  no  question  that  the  location  of  a new 
Presidential  Mansion  on  the  heights  at  the  north  of  the  city  should  lie 
chosen  in  preference  to  an  enlargement  of  the  old  White  House.  It  is 
an  indisputable  fact  that  for  citjr  life  an  elevated  grade  is  to  be  preferred 
for  residence.  All  malarial  and  humid  influences  settle  in  the  lowest 
strata  of  the  atmosphere. 

Washington  is  surrounded  by  hills.  A river,  much  inclosed  flows 


ADDENDA. 


*73 


along  its  border.  In  warm  or  rainy  seasons  and  in  quiet  conditions  of 
the  atmosphere  there  is  a very  marked  difference  between  the  humidity 
of  the  atmosphere  and  the  activity  of  its  currents  on  the  lower  levels  of 
the  city  and  on  the  hilltops.  The  difference  is  plainly  observable  in 
passing  quickly  from  one  to  the  other. 

The  selection  of  a home  for  the  President  of  the  United  States  should 
te  decided  after  scrutiny  of  all  considerations  bearing  even  in  slight 
degree  upon  the  prospective  health  of  the  President  or  of  members  of 
his  family.  The  same  solicitude  should  be  manifested  in  this  choice 
that  would  be  shown  by  a kingdom  for  the  health  of  a queen.  The 
interests  of  a nation  are  involved  therewith. 

It  is  not  only  with  reference  to  the  constitutional  endurance  of  the 
President  himself,  who  may  be  of  rugged  constitution,  but  his  efficiency 
and  happiness  are  involved  in  the  health  and  happiness  of  all  his  house- 
hold. He  may  te  quite  insensible  to  sanitary  or  atmospheric  influences 
which  might  seriously  affect  a member  of  his  family.  Injurious  conse- 
quences to  one  of  his  household  would  compel  his  attention,  control  his 
movements,  or  bring  care  to  his  mind  as  though  visited  upon  himself. 

Beyond  the  question  that  you  specially  submit,  of  comparative  advan- 
tages of  purer  atmosphere  and  more  comfortable  temperature  to  be  found 
on  an  elevated  site,  there  is  another  consideration  that  should  have  great 
weight.  All  people  need  a change  of  environment  from  their  daily 
avocations.  The  greater  the  absorption  in  labor  the  more  the  necessity 
for  a contrast  of  scene.  It  should  always  have  been  a matter  of  regret 
to  the  people  that  Presidents  who  have  served  them  for  a century  have 
had  their  business  and  their  home  under  the  same  roof;  that  their  domes- 
tic life  should  be  with  exposure  to  impurities  of  atmosphere  and  the 
possibilities  of  contagion,  inevitable  when  their  home  was  constantly  the 
resort  of  many  for  business  and  frequently  also  a gathering  place  of 
thousands.  A President  with  his  burdensome  cares,  more  than  other 
men,  should  have  a complete  transition  not  only  from  office  walls  but 
from  his  business  premises. 

The  merchant  leaves  his  store  at  night  to  go  to  another  quarter  of  the 
city  or  to  delightful  suburbs,  and  returns  in  the  morning  refreshed  by 
the  change.  It  would  be  a very  serious  consideration  for  the  health  and 
endurance  of  business  men  if  their  homes  were  either  a part  of  or 
adjacent  to  their  offices,  stores,  or  factories. 

Why  should  not  a President  of  the  United  States,  like  the  merchants, 
manufacturers,  or  other  officials,  have  a refreshing  change  from  the  scene 
of  his  toil  to  a delightful  home,  to  pleasant  gardens,  to  a varied  outlook 
such  as  all  others  seek  according  to  their  means? 

The  grounds  at  present  around  the  White  House  consists  of  two 
literal  lawns  and  a closed  conservatory.  There  is  nothing  of  the  pictur- 
esque, the  varied  aspects,  floral  and  verdant,  of  thousands  of  estates  in 
the  country  close  at  the  border  of  cities.  They  are  nothing  comparable 


174 


ADDENDA. 


to  the  estate  of  a nobleman  in  England.  Now,  by  proposed  large  addi- 
tions the  area  would  be  greatly  reduced.  The  vista  east  and  west  is 
directly  on  massive  walls  of  the  Departments. 

If  the  voice  of  the  country  could  be  heard,  it  would  protest  against 
such  a contracted  scale  of  facilities  for  comfort,  of  sources  of  pleasure, 
of  suitable  dignity,  to  be  fixed  for  another  hundred  years  as  an  expres- 
sion of  the  breadth  of  national  hospitality  toward  the  Chief  Magistrate 
to  be  of  one  or  two  hundred  millions  of  people. 

Custom  has  rendered  the  people  quite  oblivious  to  the  fact  that  Presi- 
dents have  been  compelled  to  unite  their  business  and  their  home  life. 
If  there  were  no  White  House  to-day  and  a new  location  were  to  be 
selected,  there  is  no  question  but  that  the  same  choice  would  be  made  for 
him  that  is  now  being  made  by  citizens  rapidly  for  themselves,  viz,  upon 
the  high,  dry,  and  airy  elevations  at  the  north,  with  a magnificent 
panorama  of  the  Capitol  in  prospect. 

Certainly  the  consideration  of  a few  millions  of  dollars  will  be  found 
to  be  an  economy  too  paltry  in  the  judgment  of  the  people  of  the  United 
States  to  be  weighed  against  the  choice  of  the  most  healthful,  attractive, 
and  stately  location  available  for  the  home  of  Presidents  during  centuries 
to  come. 

They  should  dwell  in  environment  the  best  possible  for  their  health 
and  happiness;  for  their  happiness  will  be  an  important  factor  for  their 
health,  and  their  health  and  that  of  their  families  is  of  vital  concern  to 
the  nation. 

Yours,  very  truly, 


Z.  T.  Sowers. 


Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith. 


[From  the  Chicago  Record.] 

A NEW  WHITE  HOUSE. 

It  is  generally  conceded  by  all  persons  who  have  examined  the  sub- 
ject that  the  Government  must  soon  build  a new  house  at  the  national 
capital  for  the  President.  The  building  that  has  been  occupied  by  the 
Chief  Magistrates  of  the  nation  for  nearly  one  hundred  years  is  inade- 
quate and  unsatisfactory.  It  is  neither  convenient  for  the  occupants 
nor  attractive  in  appearance. 

Congress  has  taken  the  first  practical  step  toward  housing  the  Presi- 
dent in  a manner  suitable  to  his  high  office  by  authorizing  the  Chief 
Executive  to  appoint  a commission  to  report  upon  plans  for  the 
improvement  of  the  White  House  and  for  the  treatment  of  that  part  of 
Washington  lying  between  it  and  the  Potomac  River. 

It  is  hoped  by  many,  however,  that  no  attempt  will  be  made  to  “work 
over”  the  present  historical  building.  Enlargements  and  additions  will 
only  destroy  the  simplicity  of  the  original  plan  without  producing  a 
result  that  will  be  either  artistic  or  comfortable.  An  entirely  new  design 


ADDENDA. 


175 


should  be  made  and  the  best  architectural  talent  ought  to  be  engaged 
upon  it.  It  is  regretted  by  some  that  the  Senate  Committee  on  Appro- 
priations, in  providing  for  the  appointment  of  a commission,  should  have 
included  in  the  list  of  members  the  Chief  of  Engineers  of  the  Army.  For 
military  engineering  work  no  better  appointee  could  have  been  chosen, 
but  it  is  no  reflection  upon  the  incumbent  of  the  office  to  say  that  his 
training  has  not  fitted  him  to  sit  in  judgment  upon  architectural  and 
landscape  gardening  designs.  The  commission  ought  to  consist  of  prac- 
tical men,  and  it  should  not  be  hampered  by  the  somewhat  routine 
methods  of  army  work. 

In  the  hurried  legislation  at  the  close  of  the  session,  June  7,  the  sundry 
civil  bill  carried  along,  with  many  other  items  reported  by  conferees,  an 
appropriation  of  $6,000  for  “drawings,  model,  specifications,  etc.,  for 
extending  the  Executive  Mansion.” 

It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  plans  following  this  outlay  will  be  regarded 
merely  as  tentative  and  suggestive,  as  in  the  case  of  the  design  reported 
“approved”  for  the  Memorial  Bridge.  Expenditure  that  forecasts  the 
needs  and  opinions  of  a century  should  be  the  result  of  serious  criticism. 

It  is  strange  that  after  the  late  positive  refusal  to  encumber  Rawlins 
Park  with  one  building  and  the  emphatic  protests  against  reduction  of 
park  area,  it  should  be  proposed  to  pack  between  the  walls  of  the  Treasury 
and  War  Departments  two  large  buildings,  in  greater  obstruction  of  air 
about  the  White  House  and  absorption  of  its  present  narrow  outlook. 

An  arched  thoroughfare  at  Sixteenth  street  is  no  novelty.  Several 
palaces  in  Europe  are  pierced  by  grandiose  archways.  Thus  it  was  with 
the  Tuilleries,  and  is  with  the  Louvre,  the  palace  at  Vienna,  the  Senate 
and  winter  palaces  at  St.  Petersburg. 


No.  126  — Portal  through  the  War  Department  buildings,  St.  Petersburg. 


Addenda  No.  6. 


CRITICISM  OF  THE  DESIGN  REPORTED  TO  CONGRESS 
FOR  THE  MEMORIAL  BRIDGE. 


No.  127. — Memorial  bridge  across  the  Potomac  at  Washington— design  No.  1. 
(Showing  the  accepted  design  for  towers.) 


No.  128.— The  Arch  of  Septimius  Severus,  Rome,  A.  D.  205.  Massive,  monumental, 

impressive,  expressive. 


The  accepted  design  for  a bridge  is  a good  base  for  aggrandizement. 

As  hereinbefore  illustrated,  the  writer  has  a clear  apprehension  of  a 
magnificent  bridge,  more  splendid,  imposing,  and  effective  than  the 
accepted  design.  As  to  that  which  has  been  accepted,  the  public  com- 
placency with  which  it  has  been  received  is  a surjiri.se.  It  is  too  light 
in  effect.  It  is  a pretty  river  bridge,  but  an  impression  from  it  as  a 
memorial  or  monumental  structure  seems  an  impossibility. 

The  two  thin,  open  arches  midway  of  the  stream  are  plainly  the  old- 
fashioned  hoisters  for  a draw  bridge  modernized  and  beautified.  They'  are 
176 


ADDENDA. 


177 


very  elegant  shears  to  step  a mast  or  swing  a boiler.  One  must  be  told 
that  they  are  memorial.  Standing  in  the  middle  of  a stream,  there  is  a 
sense  of  instability  associated  with  them.  Inevitably  against  such  large 
atmospheric  space  their  size  is  belittled.  Contrast  them  with  the  Arch  of 
Septimius  Severus,  and  the  question  of  Mr.  Keller  (p.  53)  will  return. 

Why  not  roll  the  two  insignificant  arches  into  one  noble  one  and  place 
it  at  the  approach  to  the  bridge  on  the  Washington  side?  To  this  we  add. 
Why  not  roll  them  together  again  for  another  grand  Roman  arch  on  terra 
firma  on  the  Virginia  side? 

\\  hy  not  build  for  the  two  four  bascule  towers,  grand  piers  with 
recessed  tablets  for  inscriptions?  The  writer  is  indebted  to  Air.  Keller 
for  a design  (Plate  — ),  which  suggests  porticoes,  urgently  advocated, 
that  would  range  onward  from  the  Mall  Boulevard.  That  treatment 
might  be  combined  with  the  columnar  pavilion  (p.  — ). 

The  suspension  of  contract  for  this  important  work  may  prove  most 
fortunate.  The  foundation  can  be  secured  for  a superstructure  later, 
and  memorial  arches  worthy  of  their  subject  and  site  may  be  a gratula- 
tory  result  from  delay. 


No.  129.— Design  from  Croquis  d’ Architecture— 1886,  vol.  XXII. 

S.  Doc.  209 Pt.  3 12 


CONCRETE  BRIDGES. 


178 


No.  130. — Melan  arch-bridge  construction,  Eden  Park,  Cincinnati 
Note  the  solidity  of  the  above  compared  with  the  latticed  arches  fig.  127. 


No.  131.— William  Mueser,  C.  E. 

A bridge  as  an  ornament,  not  a defacement  of  a park. 


Addenda  No.  7. 


ADDITIONAL  VIEWS  OF  EMBOWERED  HOMES  IN 

WASHINGTON. 

VERDURE  RAMPANT  ON  CITY  WALLS. 

These  were  not  received  iu  time  for  their  place. 


Iso.  13^.  Residence  of  Dr. S.  S.  Adams,  Dupont  circle.  Tower  and  wall  covered  with  Japanese  ivy, 

179 


No.  133.— Residences  of  Dr.  S.  S.  Adams,  Gen.  Auson  Mills,  aud  the  Misses  Strong,  Dupont  Circle.  Luxurious  growth  of  Japanese  ivy  and  wistaria. 


Addenda  No.  8. 


No.  135.— View  of  the  east  bank  of  the  I’otomac  opposite  Analostan  Island,  from  south  side  of 

Aqueduct  Bridge. 

l8l 


Views  North  and  South  on  the  Banks  ok  the  Potomac  from 

Aqueduct  Bridge. 


These  views  were  obtained  too  late  for  insertion  with  the  text  they 
illustrate,  either  with  “Aggrandizement  No.  io.  Protection  and  beauty 
for  the  banks  of  the  Potomac,’’  p.  105,  or  “Aggrandizement  No.  11. 
Transformation  of  Analostan  Island,”  p.  109. 


No.  134. — View  of  the  Potomac  from  the  north  side  of  the  Aqueduct  Bridge. 


CONCRETE  CONSTRUCTION  BEING  DEMONSTRATED  IN  WASHINGTON,  JUNE,  t<)oo. 


Addenda  No.  9. 


J„eon  U.  DESSEZ,  Architect.  A.  I*.  Harris,  Del. 

Seven-story  building,  4 12  Fifth  street  NW.,  opposite  Judiciary  Square,  for  Messrs.  Hamilton  & Colbert. 


CONCRETE  CONSTRUCTION  IN  WASHINGTON.  183 

This  publication  renews  a record  of  the  author’s  advocacy  of  concrete 
construction  for  National  Galleries  in  1890,  after  practical  experience 
with  it  for  the  hotels  of  St.  Augustine.  Meanwhile,  for  ten  years  he 
has  lost  no  opportunity  to  argue  for  its  adoption  and  to  predict  that  it  is 
the  coining  material.  The  opinion  was  indorsed  by  The  American 
Architect  and  other  journals. 

Successive  examples  of  its  use  in  the  United  States,  following  a general 
practice  in  Europe,  have  proved  its  cheapness,  durability,  and  strength, 
and  led  to  its  rapid  adoption.  It  was  a gratifying  coincidence  that  just 
at  the  close  of  this  writing  a fine  building,  entirely  of  concrete,  should  be 
commenced  with  the  elevation  annexed — following  its  use  for  the  new 
census  building,  belts,  sills,  stairs,  etc.  The  same  contractors,  The 
Ransome  Concrete  Co.,  of  New  York,  have  built  a church  of  concrete  in 
Brooklyn,  N.  Y. , structures  in  California  and  in  other  States. 


No.  137.— View  of  the  work  in  progress  for  concrete  building  on  Fifth  street,  Judiciary  Square. 

June  7,  1900. 


Addenda  No.  io. 


ESTIMATED  COST  OE  THE  AGGRANDIZEMENTS. 

There  may  be  an  impulsive  judgment  that  outlay  for  the  enterprises 


proposed  will  reach  an  impossible  aggregate. 

Liberal  estimates  will  demonstrate  the  contrary.  Thus : 

Condemnation  of  Pennsylvania  avenue $8,  ooo,  ooo 

Construction  of  Galleries  ample  to  completion 1 io,  ooo,  ooo 

New  White  House 5,  ooo,  ooo 

Bridge 5,  ooo,  ooo 

Filling  flats,  Mall,  etc 1,000,000 

Construction  of  boulevards I,  ooo,  ooo 

Porticoes 500,  ooo 

Column  of  the  Union 500,000 

New  Executive  Departments  on  land  owned 1,  ooo,  ooo 

New  buildings  for  Smithsonian  and  other  departments  now  in  the  Mall.  2,  ooo,  ooo 

Additions  to  park 1,  ooo,  ooo 

Sundries 3,000,000 


38,  ooo,  ooo 

If  spent  in  twenty  years,  $1,900,000  per  year.  Anticipating  the  first 
expenditures  of  the  commission,  they  would  be  generally  as  follows: 

First.  For  condemnation  of  300  acres  of  land  above  described,  to  save  its 

advance  in  value $ 10,  ooo,  ooo 

Second.  For  specimen  constructions  of  galleries  of  four  nationalities 

and  porticoes 500,  ooo 

Third.  For  preliminary  surveys,  plans,  designs,  grading,  etc. , of  all  lands 

condemned 1,  500,  ooo 

. 1 2,  ooo,  ooo 

After  these  the  outlay  would  be  gradual  through  twenty  years. 
When  a decree  is  promulgated  of  Congress,  as  the  will  of  the  people, 
for  such  broad  and  splendid  aggrandizement  of  Washington,  the  imme- 
diate advance  of  its  valuation  will  greatly  exceed  the  cost. 

The  estimate  of  experts  in  real  estate  upon  the  resultant  advance 
would  be  interesting. 

1 If  Americans  equal  the  English  in  public  spirit  and  generosity  toward  the  Ken- 
sington Museum,  the  Galleries  and  contents  will  be  largely  a gift  of  the  people  to 
the  people.  When  the  detailed  exhibit  of  constructions  and  contents  is  published, 
there  will  be  a competition  in  patriotic  and  intelligent  generosity. 

184 


Addenda  No.  n. 


[From  the  American  Architect,  June  2,  1900.] 

PLANS  FOR  THE  COMPREHENSIVE  DEVELOPMENT  OF 

WASHINGTON. 

Senator  McMillan’s  amendment  to  the  sundry  civil  bill,  providing  for 
the  appointment  of  an  architect,  a landscape  architect,  and  a sculptor,  to 
be  associated  with  the  Chief  of  Engineers  in  preparing  a report  to  the 
next  Congress  embodying  recommendations  for  an  extension  of  the 
White  House,  for  the  redemption  of  the  south  side  of  Pennsylvania 
avenue,  and  for  new  sites  for  public  buildings  and  the  development  and 
beautification  of  the  public  grounds,  seems  at  first  glance  an  admirable 
measure.  But  it  is  doubtful  if  this  legislation  is  going  to  reach  the 
desired  mark.  The  commission  named  is  not  large  enough.  The 
appropriation  is  sufficiently  liberal  to  supply  a larger  one.  Ten  thousand 
dollars  should  cover  a good  deal  of  work. 

In  a suggestion  made  on  this  point  in  a recent  letter,  the  same  writer 
advocated  a commission  composed  of  the  best  men  we  have  in  the  three 
professions  to  study  a treatment  of  the  grounds  in  question,  “a  treat- 
ment on  lines  within  which  the  national  buildings  might  be  increased 
as  needed.”  But  one  architect,  one  landscape  architect,  and  one 
sculptor  are  not  enough  to  constitute  such  commission.  We  want,  and. 
the  Chief  of  Engineers  will  want,  a consensus  of  the  best  opinion  in 
those  professions.  We  have  not  forgotten  the  splendid  architectural 
success  of  the  World’s  Fair,  at  Chicago,  in  1893. 

The  methods  which  proved  so  admirable  on  that  occasion,  and  the 
result  which  gave  us  the  best  thought  of  the  professions  as  to  the  whole 
treatment  of  the  problem,  while  leaving  ample  scope  for  the  develop- 
ment and  utterance  of  individual  talent,  are  the  methods  we  should 
apply  and  the  result  we  hope  to  attain  now  for  the  national  capital’s 
future  growth. 

The  art  professions  hope  to  see  in  this  growth  an  expression  of  the 
nation’s  advance  in  intellectual  as  well  as  in  material  greatness. 

The  McMillan  bill  has  a serious  weakness,  in  that  it  leaves  room 
for  the  working  of  schemes  of  self-interest.  It  invites  a job. 

An  ambitious  member  of  the  architectural  profession,  with  a landscape 

185 


PROPOSED  LEGISLATION. 


1 86 

map  in  his  pocket,  may,  with  some  knowledge  of  wire-pulling  and  a 
strong  array  of  political  backing,  bag  the  plum  which  this  bill  so  tempt- 
ingly displays,  and  lay  the  foundations  of  a possible  greater  and  more 
golden  career — at  the  nation’s  expense.  And  while  it  is  not  meant  to 
suggest,  even  remotely,  that  the  President  is  likely  to  appoint  any  but 
capable  men  to  these  places,  it  is  meant  to  insist  that  the  men  who 
maneuver  for  them  are  not  the  right  men  for  the  work.  In  short,  it  is 
to  be  hoped  that  the  bill  will  not  pass  in  its  present  form.  The  question 
it  deals  with  is  too  important  to  be  exposed  to  the  jeopardy  of  probable 
lobbying,  and  lobbying  is  inevitable  as  it  now  stands. 

The  amendment  should  create  a commission  of  not  less  than  three 
architects,  two  landscape  architects,  and  one  sculptor,  to  act  with  the 
Chief  of  Engineers  for  the  purposes  defined.  The  members  should  be, 
as  far  as  possible,  men  who  have  already  served  with  distinction  in  the 
determination  of  similarly  important  matters,  and  whose  professional 
attainments  and  standing  will  be  universally  recognized  as  preeminent. 
They  should  be  clothed  with  the  necessary  powers  to  call  for  persons, 
papers,  etc.,  and  be  provided  with  funds  needed  to  follow  out  the  inquiry 
submitted  to  them  to  the  completest  solution  of  the  problem. 

Congress  has  before  it  in  this  matter  a question  of  which  the  people 
will  demand  sooner  or  later  a satisfactory  solution. 

The  idea  of  fixing  upon  a comprehensive  plan  within  whose  lines  all 
future  increase  in  the  number  of  our  public  buildings  and  the  constant 
beautification  of  the  capital  city  may  be  carried  on  meets  with  approval 
wherever  it  receives  due  consideration.  This  idea  has  been  in  the  minds 
and  in  the  mouths  of  men  for  a long  time. 

Much  valuable  thought  has  been  given  and  a great  deal  of  important 
work  has  been  done  on  the  matters  involved  in  this  scheme  for  the 
development  of  Washington  by  professional  men  as  well  as  by  culti- 
vated and  experienced  lay  students.  The  commission  should  have  the 
tenefit  of  all  this  effort  on  the  part  of  thinkers  who  have  foreseen  the 
ripening  of  this  question.  And  the  only  commission  fitted  to  handle 
the  problem  is  one  so  constituted  in  qualifications  and  in  numbers  as  to 
eliminate  the  possibility  of  personal  greed  or  political  or  sectional 
interests  playing  any  part  in  its  findings. 


Addenda  No.  12. 


EXTRACT  FROM  THE  ORATION  OF  THE  HON.  MARRIOTT 
BROSIUS,  M.  C.  FROM  PENNSYLVANIA,  ON  MEMORIAL 
DAY,  MAY  30,  1900,  AT  THE  ARLINGTON  NATIONAL 
CEMETERY. 

[From  the  Washington  Star,  May  30,  1900.] 

A VISION  OF  SPLENDOR. 

Particularly  effective  and  impressive  was  the  orator’s  peroration. 

“ When  I contemplate,”  he  said,  “ the  supremacy  of  that  lofty  stand- 
ard of  patriotism  which  will  guide  our  footsteps  in  the  pathway  to 
national  duty  and  honor,  a vision  of  ineffable  splendor  bursts  upon  my 
imagination.  I see  this  Republic  in  the  vanguard  of  the  world,  standing 
distinctly  for  humanity,  liberty,  justice,  and  progress,  the  essential 
principles  of  western  civilization;  advancing  in  harmony  with  that 
providential  order  by  which  all  races  are  at  last  to  come  under  a 
higher  social  regime.  I see  the  extension  of  our  language,  our  litera- 
ture, our  laws,  our  institutions,  and  our  commerce  over  the  vast  spaces 
of  the  earth  and  the  islands  of  the  sea.  I see  the  greater  America  wield- 
ing with  a just  and  benevolent  hand  her  supremacy,  holding  the  scepter 
of  commercial  and  financial  empire.  I see  the  realization  of  the  dream 
of  patriots  and  the  aspiration  of  statesmen  that  our  country,  through  its 
social,  political,  and  commercial  influence,  should  become  the  means  of 
diffusing  civilization  among  the  backward  peoples  on  the  oceanic  spaces 
to  the  west  of  us  as  well  as  those  on  the  shores  of  Asia.  I see  a people 
meeting  their  measureless  responsibilities,  following  the  pointing  of 
duty  and  destiny  with  a profound  sense  of  obligation  to  those  ethical 
principles  which  constitute  that  righteousness  which  exalts  nations, 
never  forgetting  ‘ that  man  is  more  than  nature ; that  wisdom  is  more 
than  glory ; that  virtue  is  more  than  dominion  of  the  sea,  and  that 
justice  is  the  supreme  good.’ 

‘‘I  see  American  valor  commemorated  in  a magnificent  monumental 
memorial  bridge  connecting  the  capital  with  beautiful,  consecrated 
Arlington,  the  nation’s  Walhalla.  I see  our  capital  city  the  intellectual 
and  educational  as  well  as  the  political  center  of  the  continent,  embody- 
ing in  her  public  edifices  the  noblest  intellectual  and  patriotic  conception 
of  American  art  and  architecture.  I see  her  National  Galleries  of  History 

187 


ORDERS  FOR  PRINTING. 


1 88 

and  Art,  her  institutions  of  law,  medicine,  and  theology;  her  temples  of 
science,  surpassing  in  the  amplitude  of  their  resources  for  knowledge 
any  the  world  holds  elsewhere,  rivaling  in  architectural  splendor  their 
ancient  prototypes.  I see  rising  against  the  western  horizon  temples  with 
columns  and  entablature  in  perfection  of  beauty — bequests  of  Greece  to 
our  new  world — in  memotiam  of  those  who  have  wielded  the  executive 
power  of  the  nation  from  its  origin.  I see  her  Executive  Mansion 
commensurate  with  the  rank  and  dignity  of  the  Republic,  crowning 
her  Palatine  hill,  and  surpassing  in  artistic  and  architectural  excellence 
a palace  of  the  Csesars,  all  conceived  and  executed  by  American  intelli- 
gence and  patriotism  to  be  typical  of  American  progress  in  the  nine- 
teenth century.” 


The  author  with  pleasure  acknowledges  generous  assistance  toward  the 
above  illustrations  of  Messrs.  Harry  Dodge  Jenkins  and  H.  C.  Wilkinson, 
Tenderers  of  architectural  drawings;  of  Mr.  L.  C.  Handy,  photographer; 
the  Progress  Publishing  Company,  New  York;  the  National  Engraving 
Company,  Washington,  and  the  Towle  Manufacturing  Company,  New- 
berryport,  Mass.  The  historical  brochures  circulated  by  this  company, 
from  which  the  Hancock  House  and  State  House,  Boston,  were  obtained 
are  as  beautiful  as  they  are  instructive,  and  are  circulated  gratis  by  the 
company. 


[From  the  Congressional  Record,  May  31,  1900.] 

NATIONAL  GALLERIES  OF  ART. 

Mr.  Gallinger  submitted  the  following  concurrent  resolution;  which 
was  considered  by  unanimous  consent,  and  agreed  to  : 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  ( the  House  of  Representatives  concurnng),  That  the  Public 
Printer  shall  print  and  bind  5,000  copies  of  Senate  Document  209,  Fifty-sixth  Con- 
gress, first  session,  one-half  in  cloth  and  one-lialf  in  paper  covers,  the  same  to  be 
delivered  to  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Documents  for  sale,  under  the  provisions 
of  section  61,  of  an  act  approved  January  12,  1S95,  providing  for  the  public  printing, 
binding,  and  distribution  of  public  documents.  The  Public  Printer  is  also  authorized 
to  print  and  bind  extra  editions  of  not  less  than  1,000  copies  at  a time  of  said  docu- 
ment on  requisition  of  the  Superintendent  of  Documents,  when  required  for  .sale. 

Mr.  Hoar.  I move  also  that  a number  of  the  volumes  mentioned  in 
the  resolution  just  passed  be  printed  for  the  use  of  the  Senate,  not  to 
exceed  in  cost  $500. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Senator  from  Massachusetts  will 
please  restate  his  motion. 


ADDENDA. 


189 

Mr.  Hoar.  The  copies  of  the  document  referred  to  in  the  resolution 
submitted  by  the  Senator  from  New  Hampshire  [Mr.  Gallinger] , which 
has  been  agreed  to,  are  ready,  I understand,  to  be  stricken  off,  but  they 
will  not  be  printed  probably  until  some  time  late  in  the  vacation.  I 
make  a separate  motion  that  a number  not  to  exceed  $500  in  cost  shall 
be  printed  for  the  use  of  the  Senate. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  is  on  the  motion  of  the 
Senator  from  Massachusetts. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 

Congress  adjourned  June  6.  The  pressure  of  bills  at  the  close  pre- 
vented any  introduction  of  the  above  concurrent  resolution.  It  will  be 
in  order  at  the  opening  session  in  December. 


o 





THE  UNITED  STATES. 


The  accumulations  per  inhabitant  in  thirty  years  average  /'205  sterling  (about 
$1,000).  This  is  a prodigious  growth  of  wealth  in  thirty  years  and  without  parallel 
in  the  history  of  the  human  race.  If  we  take  a survey  of  mankind  in  ancient  and 
modern  times,  as  regards  the  physical,  mechanical,  and  intellectual  force  of  nations, 
we  find  nothing  to  compare  with  the  United  States  in  this  present  year  of  1S95.  The 
physical  and  mechanical  power  which  has  enabled  a community  of  woodcutters  and 
farmers  to  become  in  less  tlran  one  hundred  years  the  greatest  nation  in  the  world 
is  the  aggregate  of  the  strong  arms  of  men  and  women,  aided  by  horsepower, 
machinery,  and  steam  power,  applied  to  the  useful  arts  and  sciences  of  every-day 
life.  -Mulhall. 

“ You  are  struggling  with  one  of  the  two  great  problems  of  civilization.  The  first 
is  a very  old  struggle;  it  is,  ‘How  shall  we  get  leisure?’  This  is  the  problem  of 
every  hammer  stroke  of  labor  since  the  foundation  of  the  world.  The  second  fight 
of  civilization  is,  ‘What  shall  we  do  with  our  leisure  when  we  get  it?’  ” — President 
Garfield  at  Chautauqua,  1S7S. 

George  Morrison,  one  of  the  greatest  civil  engineers  who  spanned  the  Mississippi 
with  great  bridges,  said  that  within  a century  no  one  will  do  any  physical  labor. 
A man  to-day  represents  one  thousand  times  as  much  power  as'did  his  great  grand- 
father one  hundred  years  ago.  This  accession  of  power  will  go  on  and  will  be  more 
and  more  used  for  spiritual  rather  than  physical  purposes.  — Pei’.  E.  E.  Hale , D.  D. 


WASHINGTON. 


In  Washington  20,000  are  employed  by  the  Government  at  an  average  of  over 
$100  each—  $23,000,000.  It  has  grown  without' industry  or  commerce.  Is  it  not 
well  to  preserve  it  as  the  center  of  legislative  action,  of  scientific  development,  of 
art,  and  education? — Carroll  E>.  Wright , Commissioner,  Department  of  Labor. 

The  estimate  in  advance  from  census  returns  in  progress  June,  1900,  is  of  295,000 
population. 


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